Melbourne Osaka Cup - 1122Trekkee, a triumphant return to Japan

Osaka Fire Brigade Welcome - 2025 Melbourne Osaka Cup © Kazuyoshi Yamano

Joker X2 approaching the Melbourne Osaka Cup finish in Osaka ©Kazuyoshi Yamano

Under full spinnaker and charging in at 11.5 knots, Japanese entrant 1122Trekkee, the Roger Class 40 skippered by Hajime Nitta, made a spectacular entrance as the second boat to finish the race. Greeted by a fanfare of cheers, it marked another proud moment for Japan's growing ocean sailing community.

The Osaka City Fire Department gave Trekkee a grand welcome, complete with ceremonial water fountains on the water, as the boat crossed the finish line on April 18 at 15:23:30 (GMT+10). Their elapsed time: 32 days, 4 hours, 38 minutes, and 30 seconds.

For Nitta and co-skipper Sonosuke Noda, there's only a brief pause before they set sail again, this time in the 350nm Ocean Spring Festival Race, a race organised by Nitta himself, starting May 3. That race marks the final leg of their journey home.

1122 Trekkee under spinnaker crosses the finish in Osaka - 2025 Melbourne Osaka Cup - photo © Kazuyoshi Yamano

Reflecting on the voyage, Nitta paused before sharing:

"A highlight was passing Guam at just over 14 knots, a great speed for our boat as we chased down the earlier starters."

The duo reported no issues or major breakages along the way, and Nitta was quick to offer heartfelt thanks:

"We're grateful to all the volunteers who made this race possible, and for all their hard work."

Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet continues to make progress, with eight boats within just 300nm of the finish. Escapade is expected later today, kicking off a wave of arrivals over the next 48 hours.

The last starter, Alive, the Reichel Pugh 66 skippered by Duncan Hine, continues her search for the fleet with Magellan 300nm ahead, inviting them to slow down and stop by for Sunday roast as they expect to be passed based on current speeds.

With staggered starts, both line honours and handicap winners will be determined by shortest elapsed time, after adjustments are made for any penalties.