Entries are open for the prestigious Rudder Cup, the oldest ocean race in Australia and one of the most popular races on the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s (ORCV) sailing calendar. With the images of the 2025 Fastnet Race fresh in people’s minds, few would be aware that the Rudder Cup holds significant historical sailing value as the fifth oldest ocean race in the world, predating the Fastnet by 18 years. The ORCV has a longstanding partnership with the Mersey Yacht Club in Devonport, which generously hosts the finishing boats and the presentation of the Rudder Cup. The Rudder Cup is part of the ORCV Offshore Championship and is open to yachts fully crewed, 4+ autohelm and double-handed. Race Director David Schuller believes sailing in the Rudder Cup is a great way to shake off the cobwebs after the winter’s break from sailing.