Belle
ORCV Offshore Sprint Racing with Belle (60ft IY60)
I sailed offshore aboard Belle, the 60-foot Simonis Voogd–designed yacht owned by Richard Taylor and Kylie Balharrie, competing in the ORCV West Offshore Coastal Sprint Series. Sailing from Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC), this campaign provided exposure to a fast-paced offshore racing format that blends short, high-intensity racing with full offshore preparation and seamanship.
Sailing on a yacht of this scale was a valuable step in my sailing experience. At 60 feet, Belle operates in a very different performance and handling envelope compared to smaller offshore and club racers. Loads are significantly higher, manoeuvres require greater anticipation, and success depends on disciplined communication and coordinated crew work. Sail changes, hoists and drops demand precision and teamwork, particularly when racing offshore at speed.
The Coastal Sprint format sharpened situational awareness and adaptability. With compressed race durations and minimal margin for error, the emphasis was on clean execution, rapid transitions between sail configurations and maintaining control in open-water conditions. Racing outside Port Phillip Heads added another layer of complexity through ocean swell, shifting breeze lines and navigational awareness.
Sailing with Richard and Kylie provided insight into operating a large offshore yacht within an ORCV race environment. Integrating into a well-organised program reinforced the importance of quickly understanding unfamiliar systems, responding to higher deck loads, and contributing effectively within a structured crew on a high-performance yacht.
This experience broadened my offshore sailing profile, adding meaningful exposure to large-yacht handling, ORCV coastal sprint racing, and sailing from Sandringham Yacht Club, while further developing my confidence and effectiveness aboard big boats in open-water conditions.
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