Alive makes clean sweep in the 2025 Melbourne Osaka Cup

by Melbourne Osaka Media 4 May 02:05 NZST 3 May 2025

Alive finishing - 2025 Melbourne Osaka Cup © Kazuyoshi Yamano

The Reichel/Pugh 66 Alive, skippered by Duncan Hine and co-skipper Glenn Myler, has made a clean sweep of Line Honours, AMS, PHS and ORCi in the 2025 Melbourne to Osaka Cup.

Crossing the finish line in an impressive 22 days, 22 hours, 48 minutes, and 15 seconds, Alive had their sights on breaking the current race record of 21 days, 12 hours, 41 minutes, and 13 seconds, set by Chinese Whisper in 2018. Despite falling short, the Tasmanian-based yacht and crew's performance was nothing short of exceptional.

For skipper Duncan Hine, this race had long been on his sailing bucket list.

"It's been a dream for some time, being the only double-handed race that leaves Australia. I had it down to do in 2018, but life got in the way," Hine said.

"You really have to be honest with yourself and fully commit to this race, it's a journey of self-discovery", said Hine, having just finished the race.

"I didn't come into the race to do a clean sweep but had my eyes on having a go at the race record" which is awarded based on elapsed time, not who arrives first into Osaka.

Alive started two weeks after the main fleet in the unique staggered start format of the race, where slower boats depart first, with the chase giving them motivation to also push hard as they passed six of the earlier starters before Osaka.

The early stages of the race were not without challenges. An intense east coast low system saw Alive play it safe in Bass Strait.

"It's a hard boat to sail with just two crew, and doing it safely was our priority. So we backed off the pace until we cleared the low," Hine explained.

The doldrums, with their unpredictable winds, and finding those winds north of the Solomons, which were further north than predicted, added another layer of difficulty.

And as they closed in on Osaka, a dying breeze turned the final stretch into a test of patience and persistence.

"We were just two hours out and made the finishing radio call multiple times, as the wind completely vanished. It was incredibly frustrating," Hine said.

Despite the challenges, Hine believes Alive delivered a strong attempt at the record.

"It's a race where the boat, the weather, and the crew all have to be performing at their peak. I think we gave it a valiant effort."

Glenn Myler (left) and Duncan Hine of Alive take clean sweep in the Melbourne Osaka Cup - photo © M2O Media

Alive will be remembered not only for their sailing prowess and results but will be remembered by many as the champion team who freely shared their sailing tips and commentary on their sail setups, how to avoid chaffing of halyards and providing us all with theatrics whilst they crossed the equator and a great laugh as 'cousin Glenn' meet King Neptune and became a shellback.

Never a dull moment for these two lads from Tasmania who did themselves proud, pushing themselves and the boat all the way to Osaka.

A humble Hine and Myler accepted the award, acknowledging the competitors and race organisers for the effort it takes by all to put on this amazing race.

Presentation Day for crews of the Melbourne Cup - photo © M2O Media

Top 3 Results:

AMS

1st Kate Mitchell Perpetual Trophy - Alive (Duncan Hine & Glenn Myler) and Overall Winner
2nd - Magellan (Richard & Megan Grant)
3rd - Quest (Peter Tardrew & Rod Gunther)

PHS