Jones/Hart 14
I have raced with Jock MacAdie aboard Alex across numerous Sandringham and ORCV races, gaining valuable experience on a highly competitive and historically significant offshore racing yacht, sailed to a consistently high standard.
Alex was built by Hart Marine and launched in 1993 as Cadibarra VII, designed and raced by Don Jones. Following major structural modifications in 2000, she was relaunched as Kontrol and quickly established an impressive offshore record, including an ORCV Sovereign Series win, Melbourne–Hobart line honours, second place in the Melbourne–Osaka Double-Handed Race, and setting the Melbourne–Stanley race record.
Jock MacAdie purchased the yacht in 2005, renaming her Alex – Team MacAdie in memory of his father. Under Jock’s ownership, the yacht became renowned for exceptional double-handed performances against fully crewed fleets. The pinnacle achievement came in the 2007 Melbourne–Osaka Cup, where Jock and his son Hamish overcame major equipment failures to restart the race, claw back an 800-mile deficit, and win outright.
Across the 2007–2010 seasons, Alex achieved multiple overall and divisional wins in major offshore and bay races, including repeated ORCV Sovereign Series victories, Melbourne–Hobart podium finishes, Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy wins, Port Phillip Sea Pilots Trophy honours, and consistent line-honours results—often sailed two-handed against fully crewed boats.
After a quieter period, Alex underwent a full refit in 2019 and has since returned to racing. Jock remains deeply committed to double-handed sailing and to mentoring and developing the next generation of sailors in this discipline—an ethos that strongly shaped my own experience aboard the yacht.
Blogs
Ragnar – Beneteau First 36
Sailing with Richard and Alice Ekberg across both Blairgowrie and Sandringham offered a great look at this modern design. Moving from relaxed summer twilights to more competitive winter series at SYC highlighted the boat’s versatility. It was a practical way to experience how modern layouts handle different club environments and varied racing formats.
RYCV Lipton Cup
The Lipton CupNorthern Port Phillip’s Premier RegattaIf there is one weekend that perfectly captures the spirit of sailing in Melbourne, it’s the Lipton Cup. Held annually at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, this regatta is a massive multi-class celebration that...
Trilogy – Dehler 42c
Navigating the unique tides and shifts of southern Port Phillip. Staying ahead on this Dehler 42C requires constant anticipation. It’s a rewarding environment where sharp race management meets a welcoming community; chasing the perfect start is only half the experience when participation is the lifeblood of the club.
Junior Sailing at RYCV
The Gateway to the BayJunior Sailing at RYCVIf you’re looking for a place where the city skyline meets the open water, Royals is it. The club has a long-standing reputation for nurturing young sailors, from their very first time on a boat to competing in state and...
Where it All Began
Salt in the BloodWhy Rosebud Yacht Club is Where it All BeganThey say you never forget your first boat, but for me, it was the club that really stuck. My journey with the water started at six years old. My grandmother had just bought a house in Rosebud, and like...