The first boats to reach Osaka in the 2025 Melbourne Osaka Cup may both fly the Japanese flag. Zero maintains a commanding lead as it presses north toward the finish line, while 1122 Trekkee has just under 200 nautical miles separating it from the tail end of the earlier starters and is expected to overtake them within 48 hours. 

Skipper Hajime Nitta and co-skipper Sonosuke on the Roger Class 40, 1122 Trekkee have had a strong run, accelerating away from their start group after clearing the Solomon Sea and passing Guam yesterday. With both Japanese boats now sailing in familiar waters, their local knowledge may offer a valuable edge in the final stretch. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet continues to converge. The Port of Osaka is set for a flurry of arrivals late next week, with the potential for multiple finishers landing within just a couple of days.   

Coinciding with the World Expo in Osaka, yachts and crews will reunite to share stories and celebrate each arrival at the World Expo temporary marina. There’s no better place to honour the spirit of the Melbourne Osaka Cup and the significance of the sister city relationship between Melbourne and Osaka. 

But with staggered starts, the first across the line won’t necessarily take the trophy.  Prizes go to the shortest elapsed time on handicaps, leaving competitors cheering each other on while nervously watching the clock. 

At the back of the fleet, Alive, the Reichel Pugh 66, continues on the more traditional route through the Solomon Sea, still not catching the last of the main fleet starters, Sailor Moon. Alive’s co-skipper Glenn Myler reported today they were “beating through at 11 knots in a SSW breeze—even though the forecast called for 5 knots from the NE” as they enjoyed some welcome showers to wash down themselves and the boat. 

The Secretary is making a tactical play. Recently overtaken by Alive, the J44 has gambled on the northerly current of the Manning Strait, hoping to be the tortoise that beats the hare to the northern trade winds first. 

As the fleet accelerates towards Osaka, all eyes are on the tracker as Osaka teams await its first finishers and perhaps a historic double for Japan.

Check out the tracker as they get closer to Osaka via bluewatertracks.com here: https://race.bluewatertracks.com/2025-melbourne-osaka-cup-double-handed-race

Words by: MO2 Media

Photos by: Al Dillon and John Dynan