2018 Sundance Marine Melbourne to Osaka yacht race

Sundance Marine has been confirmed as the official Naming Rights sponsor of the 2018 Sundance Marine Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race also known among the racing fraternity by the acronym M2O.

Starting in Port Phillip Bay in March 2018, the famous yacht race is billed as the toughest challenge for offshore racers departing from any port in Australia.

The 5500 nautical mile (10,000km) non-stop, double-handed (two person) race is the equivalent of eight Sydney to Hobarts back-to-back.

Starting in autumn, the route heads through Bass Strait, then up Australia’s East coast as the cherry blossoms bloom in Japan’s spring.

First run in 1987 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Osaka, the yacht race will be run for the eight time in 2018 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Melbourne Osaka Sister-City Relationship.

The race is described as a challenging long-distance, short-handed racing event that provides a proving ground for true seamanship and encourages the development of suitably seaworthy yachts, appropriate gear, supplies, and techniques for short-handed passage under sail.

A FIVE-YEAR RACE
Conducted every five years since 1987, the quinquennial event’s Organising Authority is a partnership between Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC), the Osaka Hokko Yacht Club (OHYC) and the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV).

The commodore of the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, Ray Shaw, said, Sundance Marine’s generous sponsorship and enthusiasm will ensure the event can be run to its full potential.

"Melbourne and Osaka’s ‘sister city’ relationship forms a crucial backdrop to this incredible event," he said.

"Support from ocean racers has been enormous with all available entries already filled and a waiting list in place."

SUNDANCE SUPPORT
Sundance Marine is keen to support the yachting industry and promote active sailing. The Sundance team are also accomplished racing yacht experts as well.

David Beck, Director of Sundance Marine and long-term member of Sandringham Yacht Club said he is excited to be involved in such a fantastic event.

"It seems a natural fit to partner with the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race, a race that, like our own company, has a long history."

THE M2O YACHT RACE
Beck says he has followed the last three M2O races and, with clients competing on each occasion, he have seen first-hand the commitment and effort required to be competitive in such an event.

"The entire Sundance team is looking forward to the lead up to the start over the next 12 months. The organising committee is a passionate group and we look forward to working with them to make the 2018 race a successful one."

The interest in the 2018 race has also convinced the committee that there is sufficient support to plan the subsequent race in March 2022.

For more further information and contestant details contact:
>> George Shaw – 0411 464 802
Member of the M2O organising committee and representative of Osaka Hokko Yacht Club
>> Martin Vaughan – 0417 332 615
Member of the M2O organising committee