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The Tasaki Osaka Cup, the world's longest longitudinal, double-handed yacht race is held every four years and returns in 2003. Entries are now open for this unique international yachting event first held in 1987 which celebrates the Sister City and Sister Port relationships between Melbourne and Osaka.

Race competitors must sail without stopovers from Melbourne to Osaka (Japan) spanning 5500 nautical miles. They travel a unique course experiencing three seasons in reverse, autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, summer around the Equator and spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Leg One of the official race start is on Saturday, March 15, 2003 from Station Pier, Port Melbourne, with Leg Two departing for Osaka from Portsea Pier on Sunday March 16, 2003.

The major objectives of the Tasaki Osaka Cup include showcasing the technological developments in sailing while returning to the basic form of yacht racing and most importantly allowing sailors from all around the world to interact with the citizens and cultures of both host Cities, Melbourne and Osaka.

This year, two new classes have been established to enable a wider variety of sailors to participate. The Open Racer Group caters for the most up-to-date racing boats. Race rules do not limit use of performance aids such as water ballast. Yachts between 12m to 18m will be classified into two classes with Open 50 and Open 60 class yachts (those used for single-handed round-the-world races).

The new Cruising Fleet category is a non-competitive division specifically designed for sailors who wish to enjoy sailing to Osaka under the supervision and safety of the race rule requirements.

These new categories reinforce the race's objectives of enjoying the ocean safely, promoting good seamanship to survive on the ocean, accelerating development of yachts and equipment that suit short-handed sailing, and generally encouraging people to enjoy and participate in sailing.

Entries for the 2003 Tasaki Osaka Cup close on 30 November 2002.

Race Entry inquiries should be directed to the Tasaki Osaka Cup Race Committee: Ph: +81-798-33-2100, Fax: +81-798-33-2251 E-mail: info@osakacup.com.