M2H with Rushour
Rushour’s Record-Breaking Performance in the 52nd Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster Yacht Race
I was actively involved in the 52nd Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster Yacht Race, sailing down the coast in one of Australia’s most demanding offshore events. The 435-nautical-mile course is widely regarded as a true test of seamanship, combining the volatile conditions of Bass Strait, Southern Ocean swell along Tasmania’s west coast, and the tactical challenges of the River Derwent.
The race began on 27 December 2024 with a 20-knot south-westerly at the Portsea start, quickly developing into the mixed and often confused sea states typical of the Bass Strait crossing. Sailing down the coast required constant adjustment to sail trim, helming and watch management as conditions shifted from coastal breezes to open-ocean systems.
Throughout the race, the fleet was stretched by a standout performance from the multihull Rushour, skippered by Drew Carruthers, which set a new multihull race record by almost 30 hours. Experiencing this level of performance in close proximity reinforced the importance of disciplined boat handling, smart routing decisions and protecting the boat over a long and exposed course.
The passage down Tasmania’s rugged west coast demanded sustained concentration and conservative decision-making as Southern Ocean swell and variable winds tested both crew endurance and equipment. These conditions highlighted the balance required in offshore racing—maintaining pressure on the boat while managing fatigue, safety and reliability.
The race also featured strong performances from the monohull fleet, with the Carkeek 43 Scarlet Runner, skippered by Rob Date, claiming monohull line honours and overall victory on corrected time. Sailing in a fleet of this calibre provided valuable exposure to high-level offshore racing standards and best practice.
Participating in the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster reinforced my offshore racing experience, particularly in heavy-weather sailing, long-distance watch systems and operating effectively in demanding ocean conditions—skills directly transferable to further offshore and delivery sailing campaigns.
ORCV race Westcoaster history
Blogs
Australian Yachting Championships (IRC)
Racing on Tenacity in the 2025 Australian Yachting Championships tested precision and teamwork on Hobart’s Derwent. Handling halyards and sail changes as mast person, I experienced the split-second decision-making, calm control, and clear communication required to keep a high-performance Mills 41 moving efficiently through shifting river breezes.
Belle – IY60
Racing offshore on Belle, a 60-foot IY60, was a high-intensity test of big-boat handling. Loads, sail changes, and manoeuvres demanded precision, anticipation, and clear communication. The ORCV Coastal Sprint format sharpened situational awareness, adaptability, and crew coordination, giving valuable experience in managing a large offshore yacht under pressure while maintaining speed and control.
QuiXotic
QuiXotic is a well-sailed X-41, but what stands out most is the crew. Andrew Middleton and the team create a positive, easygoing environment on board, focused on enjoying the racing and sailing well together. It’s a boat where good company and good sailing go hand in hand.
Rushour
On Rushour, I completed the 430nm Southport to Sydney qualifying passage, involved in all aspects of high-performance multihull sailing. From helming in varied conditions to managing asymmetric spinnaker trim and watch rotations, this experience built the discipline and confidence I carried directly into the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.
Fast Forward – Sydney 38
Faster Forward isn’t just a respected Sydney 38; for me, it represents the heart of sailing culture. After the Melbourne to Hobart, I was adopted into this tight-knit team, learning that success is built as much through shared dinners and crew camaraderie as it is through miles on the water.
Alex Team Macadie
Alex is a boat with a massive reputation, especially for its legendary double-handed feats. Racing with Jock MacAdie provided a firsthand look at how this Hart 14 has stayed competitive for decades. It’s a platform built on grit and offshore history, where the focus is always on high standards and coastal discipline.
Wings
The 1,100nm delivery of Wings from Hamilton Island to Sydney was a lesson in persistence. Most of the trip was spent punched into 18 to 25-knot headwinds and heavy seas. It was a great chance to get some serious hours on the helm at night and see how offshore routing actually works in the real world.
Unprecedented
Sailing out of Safety Beach on this modern Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 was a shift in perspective. Lighter and more responsive than most cruiser-racers, the boat is purpose-built for efficiency. Managing the running backstays and highly loaded rig highlighted the technical precision needed to keep such a performance-focused platform moving at its best.
Airlie Beach Race Week 2024
The Whitsundays definitely showed their teeth during the 2024 regatta. Working the bow on a Hanse 430E, I spent the week wrestling with 30-knot gusts and complex island tides. It was all about staying one step ahead of the next sail change while navigating the narrow, choppy channels that define racing in this part of the world.
Hot Chipps
Club racing on Port Phillip Bay provided the perfect introduction to the Dehler 46 platform. Spending time on this versatile yacht was great preparation for a later coastal delivery, offering hands-on experience with its systems and deck layout. Assisting with a new mainsail setup also gave me a more technical look at the boat’s performance beyond just pulling ropes during a race.
Arcadia
Sailing on this Archambault 40RC across club and ORCV races has been a masterclass in team efficiency. PJ and the crew operate with a calm, quiet precision that makes even complex sail changes look routine. It’s a great environment to observe how a cohesive team relies on clear roles and consistent repetition rather than noise to maintain performance under pressure.
It’s not just sailing
Racing the Dufour 40 near the Yarra River mouth keeps us on our toes. Beyond the technical challenges of Port Phillip Bay, sailing with Peter’s team highlights the social side of the sport. Post-race drinks in the galley are as vital as the racing, cementing the camaraderie that makes club sailing worthwhile.