Commonly known as the Westcoaster, the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race also known as M2H commences from Port Phillip and concludes in Hobart.
It is run by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria.
in 2007, for the 50th anniversary of the Rudder Cup (Melb to Launcenton), the ORCV decided to abandon the "West Coaster" for the year and instead run an "East Coaster", which would follow the Melb to Launceston course then allow Melb to Hobart yachts to cross the line of that race, then continue on to Hobart via the notorious "Banks Strait" between Flinders Island and the Tasmanian main land. Banks Strait has a horrid reputation for dangerous sea conditions caused by the Bass Strait westerlies going against a very strong tidal flow.
The "East Coaster" was such a success, with around 50 or so boats contesting the race, that organisers could not ignore it. It was then decided that both an East Coaster and West Coaster would be run and this occurred in both 2008 and 2009. It has been less successful that the special event, but has nonetheless attracted a good number of boats.
The "West Coaster" however is still considered to be the real race.
Line Honours Winners
Handicap Honours Winners (IRC)
Handicap Honours Winners (AMS)
Handicap Honours Winners (PHD)