Lining up on final approach

Melbourne Osaka Cup: Lining up on final approach
by Melbourne Osaka Media 12 Apr 17:15 PDT
13 April 2025

Yamada and Kobayashi on Zero © Al Dillon

As the main fleet continues to close the gap on the earlier starters, they may never quite catch Zero, now on final approach to Osaka and poised to be the first yacht to cross the finish line, provided they successfully navigate the final challenges.

Reaching Osaka, Japan, is no simple feat. As they approach Japan, first comes the powerful Kuroshio Current, a swift, warm ocean current running north along Japan’s eastern coastline. Navigating it requires precision and timing.

Then comes the navigating the gauntlet of Osaka Bay: a maze of shipping traffic, ferries, fishing boats, seaweed farms, and gusty zones created by urban sprawl. It’s a final stretch that demands concentration.

Having sailed the race in four prior races, and keen watching from the sidelines, Jon Sayer added, “My good friends on ‘Zero’ are going to feature well in the spoils and well done to them. Sailed well and media giants for the rest of the world.” with Jon finishing with “Good luck on the final approach”

Skippered by Katsuhiro Yamada and Masayuki Kobayashi, the Japanese IMX40 yacht Zero has sailed a consistent and strategic race from the start. Current predictions suggest they will cross the finish line mid-morning on April 15.

But while they may be first to arrive, the race is not yet won. The prize of line honours will go to the yacht with the shortest elapsed time due to the staggered starts. With the remainder of the fleet still pushing hard behind them, Zero will be watching the clock.

Keep watching bluewatertracks.com, the race tracker here.

See who’s racing and when they started here