His first race, a Baptism of Fire - Now he's ORCV Ocean Racer of the Year
by Melissa Warren / ORCV media 22 Aug 05:26 UTC
1999 M2H Presentation, Cam 3rd from left at the top holding trophy © Cam
It's not often you see Cameron (Cam) McKenzie lost for words. But when his name was called as this year's ORCV Ocean Racer of the Year, he looked genuinely stunned.
"I was very honoured," Cam said later. "And to be honest, surprised. Especially with Greg Patten, Rod Smallman, Dylan Oosterweghel in the mix—great sailors who've done a lot for the sport."
That's typical Cam: quick to deflect credit, and always pointing back to the people around him.
"It's never just about one person. Ocean racing is a team sport, through and through. I couldn't have achieved anything without the people I've been lucky enough to sail with."
A Godfather, a Keelboat, and a Spark That Caught Early
Cam didn't come from a sailing family. His parents weren't sailors, and dinghy club weekends weren't part of the plan. But what he did have was Joe Hall—his godfather, a life member at Mornington Yacht Club—who took him and his sister under his wing as teenagers.
While most kids his age were starting out in dinghies, Cam jumped straight onto a keelboat. Before long, he was trimming sails and racing on the bay, completely hooked.
By the time he was 21, he'd scored a spot on Paladin, a Farr 40 racing the 1990 Melbourne to Hobart. His very first ocean race, with Nigel Jones as the then youngest Melbourne to Hobart skipper.
"It was a proper baptism of fire," he reflected. "We started in heavy weather under trysail—blowing like mad at Portsea—and just as we were getting under way, unfortunately the boat next to us, Animal Farm, sank right on the start line."
He remembers the chaos, the wind, the speed. A 2.2-ounce kite was up off Maatsuyker Island and the boat screamed along at 20 knots.
"I was just blown away. From that moment, I was all in."
They went on to win that race—his very first Hobart.
24 Hobarts Later...
Fast-forward a few decades and Cam's offshore resume is extraordinary. 24 Hobarts. 15 of them Sydney to Hobarts, plus three ORCV East Coasters and six ORCV Westcoasters. He's raced on icons like Sword of Orion, Goldfinger, Paladin, and Cadibarra 7 (now Alex), Cadibarra 8 and Simply Fun.
Along the way, he's sailed alongside legends—Nigel and Don Jones, Peter Blake, Kate Mitchell, Charles Mehrmann, Peter Sajet & Phil Coombs. But what he remembers most isn't the silverware. It's the culture those boats fostered.
"Every one of them built strong, fun, team environments. That stuck with me. That's what we try to create on Ginan—a place where people enjoy the journey, where friendships grow, and where there's always space for someone new."
Especially young sailors.
Cam has quietly mentored a generation of offshore hopefuls. Sailors like Jack Vermer and Dan Laverty started by doing deliveries when they were too young to race. We made room for them. Gave them a chance. Even his own son, Will, did a Hobart delivery on a TP52 at just 14.
"It's about showing them what's possible. Sometimes all it takes is one trip to light the spark."
Lessons From the Sea
If you've ever raced with Cam, you'll know he's serious about preparation. Boat maintenance, safety, crew readiness—it matters. But he also knows the sea doesn't always play by your rules.
"The ocean's taught me a lot. You can't control everything. What matters is how you respond. You've got to be adaptable, keep a clear head, and just keep moving forward."
He credits much of that mindset to the people around him—his teammates, his mentors, and his biggest supporter of all: his wife Jo.
What's Next for Cam?
Between races, Cam and Jo are heading to Europe for a well-earned break—some relaxed cruising with old friends in Greece, and a bit of racing in Sweden.
Well he and Ginan successfully secured the bragging rights to this years Discount Yachting Marine Supplies Winter Series, and he's already looking ahead to the next Sydney to Hobart.
Solo racing? Not likely.
"I love the team side of it too much. That's where the magic is."
He grins when asked about the Melbourne to Osaka.
"You never know. Might be on the cards one day."
Congratulations, Cam. A well-deserved honour for a sailor who not only races hard, but lifts others along the way.