Hanse 505 – Shimmer
Skipper: Steve Twentyman
Safety Beach Sailing Club (SBSC)
Shimmer is one of the yachts I sail on most regularly, and over time she’s become a familiar and trusted platform. Sailing out of Safety Beach Sailing Club, much of our time together has been spent in the rhythm of Friday twilight races and Sunday club racing, building consistency, teamwork and a deep understanding of how the boat likes to be sailed across all conditions.
Beyond club racing, Shimmer is an active and well-prepared ORCV campaigner, regularly lining up for offshore and coastal races. The boat is exceptionally well kept and thoughtfully set up, with a strong sail inventory that includes a J0, Code 0 and multiple asymmetric spinnakers, allowing us to stay competitive across a wide range of angles and conditions. That versatility really shows offshore, where sail selection, preparation and timing make a meaningful difference over long legs.
Across the past couple of seasons I’ve raced Shimmer in events including the Apollo Bay Ocean Race, Melbourne to King Island, Melbourne to Devonport, ORCV Coastal Sprints, and longer coastal returns and deliveries back to Safety Beach. These passages have added up to a lot of miles together — racing, delivering, and problem-solving — and have given me exposure to multiple roles on board, from bow and mast work to trimming and helming, depending on the demands of the race or delivery.
What stands out most about sailing with Steve and the Shimmer team is how well the program is run. The boat is prepared properly, the crew is trusted to do their jobs, and there’s a calm, methodical approach to offshore decision-making. Whether it’s setting up for a night leg, managing sail changes offshore, or working through light and difficult conditions, there’s always something to learn simply by being part of the process.
Sailing Shimmer hasn’t been about a single standout race or result — it’s been about consistency, repetition, and miles. The combination of regular club racing, ORCV offshore events and return deliveries has made this one of the most valuable yachts in my recent sailing experience, and one I’ve genuinely grown with over time.
Blogs
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.
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.