Yacht Alive tilts under the Bolte Bridge in preparation for Melbourne to Osaka race

A Narrow Escape for the Alive Yacht Under Bolte Bridge

The Alive yacht, owned by Hobart-based businessman Phillip Turner, recently made headlines after a daring maneuver under Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge. Crewman Fynley Harding was captured climbing the mast during a reconnaissance mission as the yacht tilted precariously under the bridge. The first attempt nearly ended in disaster, as the yacht came dangerously close to hitting the structure. Onlookers held their breath as the crew expertly navigated the second try, successfully clearing the bridge without incident. Speaking about the incident, Hine, a crew member, downplayed the potential consequences of a collision, stating that while the boat might have suffered severe damage, the Bolte Bridge itself would likely have only required a fresh coat of paint. However, the implications for the yacht were serious, as any damage to the mast could have sidelined the boat for a year, forcing the crew to wait for a replacement.

Preparing for the Melbourne Osaka Cup

The Alive yacht is set to compete in the Melbourne Osaka Cup later this month, with a crew of just two members: Hine and Glenn Myler. This is a far cry from the 12-person crew that manned the yacht during the Sydney to Hobart race. The smaller crew size adds an extra layer of challenge, as the two sailors will have to handle all aspects of the yacht’s operation, from navigation and repairs to maintenance, throughout the race. Despite the daunting task ahead, Hine remains optimistic and is determined to break the race record of 21 days, 12 hours, 41 minutes, and 13 seconds, set by Chinese Whisper in 2018. The crew’s preparation has been meticulous, and the yacht’s recent tilt under the Bolte Bridge was a necessary step to ensure its readiness for the race.

A Rare and Exciting Sight in Melbourne

The sight of the Alive yacht tilting under the Bolte Bridge was a rare and thrilling spectacle for onlookers. According to Adam Buchholtz, the City of Melbourne’s waterways manager, the last time a yacht tilted under the bridge was during the 2006 Volvo Ocean Race, when the global fleet passed through Melbourne. The maneuver is a testament to the skill and precision of the crew, who must carefully balance the yacht to ensure it clears the bridge safely. The Alive yacht is currently moored at the Melbourne City Marina in Docklands, as the Sandringham marina, where most of the race fleet is docked, is not deep enough to accommodate the yacht. For the next two weeks, the yacht will be on display at Victoria Harbour boardwalk, giving the public a chance to see this impressive vessel up close.

The Challenges of the Melbourne Osaka Cup

The Melbourne Osaka Cup is widely regarded as one of the most challenging yacht races in the world. The race pushes both the crew and the yacht to their limits, with treacherous weather conditions and the demands of navigating across vast stretches of open water. George Shaw, chairman of the organizing committee, emphasized the difficulty of the race, noting that the two-person crew must be capable of performing every task imaginable, from making repairs to plotting the yacht’s course. The race is a true test of endurance, skill, and teamwork, and the Alive crew is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Despite the risks, the crew is determined to give it their all and make a strong showing in the race.

The Race Begins

The Alive yacht is scheduled to start the race on March 30 at 3:25 p.m., departing from Portsea. The rest of the fleet is set to follow this Sunday at 5 p.m., although bad weather could potentially delay the start. In the lead-up to the race, the crew has been busy finalizing preparations and ensuring that the yacht is in top condition. The recent tilt under the Bolte Bridge was a key part of this process, allowing the crew to test the yacht’s maneuverability and make any necessary adjustments. With the race just around the corner, the tension is building, and the crew is focused on the task at hand.

A Race Like No Other

The Melbourne Osaka Cup is a race like no other, attracting some of the most skilled and dedicated sailors from around the world. The race’s reputation for being one of the most difficult in the world is well-deserved, as participants must contend with unpredictable weather, treacherous sea conditions, and the physical and mental demands of racing for days on end. For the Alive crew, the challenge is even greater, as they will be sailing with just two people on board. Despite the obstacles, Hine and Myler are confident in their abilities and are determined to push the yacht to its limits. As the race approaches, the crew is ready to face whatever challenges come their way, knowing that the next few weeks will be an adventure they will never forget.