Scarlet Runner
The Journey Back: Scarlet Runner’s Return to Melbourne
I sailed with Rob Date, owner and skipper of Scarlet Runner, on the delivery voyage back to Melbourne following the yacht’s strong performance in the Melbourne–Hobart Westcoaster Race. The return trip across Bass Strait was a demanding passage and provided valuable offshore experience in classic delivery conditions, where seamanship, judgement and endurance matter as much as race results.
Bass Strait lived up to its reputation—short, steep seas driven by its shallow depths, shifting winds and rapidly changing conditions. With the intensity of racing replaced by the steady focus of a return passage, the emphasis was firmly on boat management, safety and maintaining a sustainable pace over long watches.
Throughout the crossing, Scarlet Runner demonstrated the strengths of her Carkeek 43 design: powerful, responsive and capable of maintaining composure in difficult seas. The passage reinforced the importance of balancing performance with restraint—knowing when to push and when to protect the boat—an approach that reflected Rob’s depth of experience and calm command offshore.
My sailing history with Rob Date also stretches back much further. As a junior sailor, I raced against him in the Corsair class and was part of the winning crew aboard Scruples at the 1983 Victorian Corsair State Titles, securing first place in the final race. I later competed at national level, finishing eighth at the 1984 Corsair National Titles. That early exposure to high-level competition against sailors like Rob helped shape my long-term approach to racing and offshore sailing.
Blogs
Cabbage Tree Island Race
As part of White Spirit’s Hobart preparation, I helmed through extreme conditions in the Cabbage Tree Island Race, sailing into a rapidly building southerly front with apparent winds peaking at 74 knots. The execution and boat handling through the system resulted in my appointment as Second in Command for Hobart.
Airlie Beach Race Week 2025
Airlie Beach Race Week tested sail handling, coordination, and timing across long island legs. On Y Knot, managing the bow meant staying ahead of multiple sail changes under shifting trade-wind breezes. The combination of fast offshore conditions, complex courses, and a skilled crew made it an intense and rewarding experience.
Magnetic Island Race Week 2025
YKnot’s performance demanded anticipation, precise sail transitions, and constant awareness on the bow. The warm waters, trade winds, and tight fleet kept everyone alert, while the relaxed island atmosphere ashore highlighted why offshore racing is as much about people and experience as it is speed.
Cartouche
Cartouche – Beneteau First 50 (RBYC)
I’ve sailed regularly aboard Cartouche, a Beneteau First 50 owned by Steven Fahey, across club racing, ORCV events and major regattas. Racing within a family-run team sharpened my big-boat awareness and offshore readiness, while reinforcing consistency, preparation and calm decision-making across varied conditions.
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.
Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster
Sailing down the coast on Rushour during the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore performance. Heavy Bass Strait and Southern Ocean conditions tested endurance, decision-making, and watch management, while the multihull’s record-breaking pace reinforced the importance of disciplined boat handling, smart routing, and protecting both crew and craft over a long, exposed passage.
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.