Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S600 LEADERBOARD

Melbourne Osaka Cup: The curious adventure begins

by Melbourne to Osaka Media 3 Mar 07:45 UTC From 9 March 2025
Curious Roo off to the start line © Chris Furey

The smallest boat in the 9th edition of the Melbourne Osaka Cup double-handed yacht race has embarked on its 5,500-nautical-mile adventure to Osaka. 'Curious Roo', an S&S34 skippered by Peter Garrett and Neil McKinley, set off just after the starting gun fired at 4:40 p.m. on March 2, 2025, to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd at Portsea Pier.

With official duties completed, Curious Roo pushed back from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, fully prepared for the challenge ahead. After battling a strong current through the Sorrento Channel, the boat found its pace, crossing the start line well-rigged for the 15-knot southerly wind.

Curious Roo carries a rich history—previously sailed by Welshman Dafydd Hughes in the 2023 Global Solo Challenge from Spain to Hobart. Now, with Osaka as its next destination, the boat is ready for yet another remarkable journey.

Embarking on another adventure, co-skippers Neil McKinley and Peter Garrett—both doctors from the Sunshine Coast Queensland and long-time friends—are now living a dream that began fifteen years ago.

In the coming days, conditions are expected to range from 5 to 20 knots, providing a comfortable start to the race. Meanwhile, Race Management is closely monitoring the path of Cyclone Alfred along Australia's eastern coastline, though it is forecasted to moderate before the fleet reaches the area.

Though small in size, 'Curious Roo' has big support. Fans gathered both at Portsea Pier and online to wish them "fair winds," with a nostalgic Dafydd Hughes adding, "They're looking fabulous," and encouraging them to "keep the chasing pack behind you all the way."

With the main fleet set to start on March 16, and additional departures on March 9 and 30, this race already carries echoes of the last edition. In that race, Jo Breen and Pete Brooks, sailing their S&S34 Morning Star, held the lead until just before Osaka—when the final starter, Rupert Henry and Greg O'Shea aboard Chinese Whisper, a Judel/Vrolijk 62, surged ahead, setting a new race record of 21 days, 12 hours, 41 minutes, and 13 seconds.

Will history repeat itself, or will Curious Roo carve its own legendary path? Only time—and the vast Pacific—will tell.

You can follow the fleet via the race tracker.

For Notice of Race and List of Competitors, please visit www.melbourneosakacup.com.

Related Articles

Sea.AI makes U.S. debut of Watchkeeper
At the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025 Sea.AI is making waves at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025 with the official U.S. launch of Watchkeeper, its newest safety system. Posted on 15 Mar
Crestliner unveils the 2050 Fish Hawk
The newest, largest, and most advanced model in Crestliner's Fish Hawk series Crestliner Boats, a leading aluminum boat builder with a legacy for performance and durability, has announced the launch of the 2050 Fish Hawk. Posted on 14 Mar
Boating/Fishing: Spin Cycle
New Spindrift Fishing Hoodie blends natural Merino wool with added features Now stocking, Whitewater Fishing's innovative new Spindrift Fishing Hoodie blends the natural qualities of premium Merino wool with added features and performance for fishing. Posted on 13 Mar
IGFA honors 2025 annual awards recipients
Highlighting leaders in conservation, sportsmanship, and angling excellence The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a global nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices today announced the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Annual Awards. Posted on 12 Mar
ASA releases new online Trade & Commerce Hub
Dedicated information for decisions which impact the sportfishing industry Given the rapid developments on trade, tariffs and commerce from the Trump administration, ASA has released our new trade and commerce webpage. Posted on 11 Mar
Captain Kleppinger's night battles with tarpon
Russell Kleppinger manages to catch and release over 1,000 tarpon in a 7-month season The most committed angler will stop at nothing to land these nearly 200-pound beasts. Just ask PENN Fleet Captain Russell Kleppinger who manages to catch and release over 1,000 tarpon in a 7-month season. Posted on 9 Mar
"Sober Skipper™: Why It Matters" Series
Sea Tow Foundation releases new video featuring Angler Mike Iaconelli The Sea Tow Foundation™, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting boating safety, has launched the latest video in its "Sober Skipper™: Why It Matters" series, featuring professional bass angler Mike Iaconelli. Posted on 7 Mar
Top 10 baits from the Lake of the Ozarks
Breeden's consistency triumphs in Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Plains Division event at Lake of the Ozarks was one of the toughest events seen in a long time. Across the field, limits were almost impossible to come by - even the Top 10 couldn't guarantee full stringers. Posted on 6 Mar
RemigoOne now available in North America
Award-winning European design set to transform the small outboard market Remigo is proud to announce the North American launch of RemigoOne, the 3HP equivalent electric outboard that has redefined clean, quiet, and easy boating. Posted on 6 Mar
Live now! PENN Films - Episode 3
I am the Ocean, the Ocean Is me From a land rich in culture and out-of-this-world landscapes, a place where towering cliffs and long sandy beaches meet raw and powerful seas. Posted on 6 Mar
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER