Tasmanian classic tests new waters
Thanks to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia for allowing us to reproduce this article
Sean Langham, CEO, Noakes Group, is currently en route to the UK & Ireland but was pleased to hear that his boat, MALUKA OF KERMANDIE, had arrived safely in Ireland this week. She was delivered to County Cork where the team will soon start preparations ahead of the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race.
Representing the CYCA alongside Jules Hall’s two-handed entry J/99 and Paddy Broughton’s KIALOA II, the small but mighty yacht is now firmly ensconced next to the Royal Cork Yacht Club pontoon.
MALUKA OF KERMANDIE being unloaded from the ship in Ireland
Many will remember that Langham sailed MALUKA in the 2006 Rolex Sydney Hobart and was the first boat under 9.5m LOA to finish.
In fact, she was the smallest boat in competition, placing eight overall; in the year of the ‘golden oldies’ when LOVE & WAR won, BACARDI was second and IMPECCABLE fifth.
This July, backdropped by Cowes Harbour on the picturesque Isle of Wight, fans will see her off on the start of the biennial Fastnet ocean race which will finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in Normandy, France.
It promises to be a test of strategy and skill with the course known for challenging tidal currents and changeable weather.
Follow the race action here.
(Click to enlarge)
Images courtesy of Richard Bateman.