In a remarkable testament to sailing history and craftsmanship, the 120-year-old yacht Katwinchar is preparing to embark on her third attempt at the grueling Sydney to Hobart race. This wooden vessel, originally constructed in 1904 by workers at an English brewery using offcuts from the keg-making process, has defied time and the elements to become the oldest boat to ever compete in the iconic Australian sailing event.
From Brewery Byproduct to Sailing Marvel
Katwinchar’s origins are as humble as they are fascinating. Built entirely from scraps and leftovers at the brewery, the 10-meter yacht was a passion project for the workers. She derives her unique name from the first syllables of the brewery owner’s three daughters: Katherine, Winifred, and Charlotte. Little did her creators know that their makeshift vessel would one day be competing in one of the world’s most prestigious sailing races.
Sailing to the Land Down Under
Katwinchar’s journey to Australia began in 1951 when Eddie Mossop purchased her and bravely sailed across the globe to her new home. That same year, Mossop entered Katwinchar in the Sydney to Hobart race, where she competed admirably in a small fleet of just 14 yachts, a far cry from the 104 boats set to sail in this year’s edition.
Katwinchar’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of sailing. To see a boat built over a century ago, crafted from brewery discards, take on the challenges of the Sydney to Hobart race is truly inspiring.
– Sailing Enthusiast
A Family Affair and a Gumtree Gamble
After being sold to Frank Barry-Cotter in 1957, Katwinchar became a cherished family boat for several years. However, she eventually fell into disrepair and was put up for sale on Gumtree, an online classifieds site. Frank’s son Bill, a respected boat builder, stumbled upon the listing and recognized the yacht’s historical significance. He gathered a team of dedicated craftsmen and spent over 14,000 hours painstakingly restoring Katwinchar to her former glory.
Triumph and Transformation
The restoration efforts paid off handsomely in 2019 when Katwinchar competed in the Sydney to Hobart race for the second time, an astonishing 68 years after her first attempt. She defied expectations, securing second place in the IRC Division 7, third in the veterans division, and a triumphant victory in the grand veterans division.
Not content to rest on their laurels, Katwinchar’s team has continued to refine and improve the yacht in preparation for this year’s race. The mizzen mast has been removed, transforming her from a ketch to a sloop, and a new carbon fiber mainmast, crafted by co-skipper Michael Spies, has been installed. Along with fresh sails and a new rudder, these modifications are aimed at optimizing Katwinchar’s performance.
A Seasoned Crew and Sibling Rivalry
Leading Katwinchar’s charge in this year’s double-handed division will be co-skippers Michael Spies and Peter Vaicuirgis. Spies, a veteran of 45 Sydney to Hobart races, brings a wealth of experience and a deep affection for the historic yacht. He has poured his heart and soul into preparing Katwinchar, spending six months working on her almost full-time.
It is a special boat. To be nominated as a temporary custodian of it is pretty special. This is my 46th Sydney Hobart race, and it’s one I’ll probably look back on with great fondness.
– Michael Spies, Co-Skipper of Katwinchar
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the race is the presence of Katwinchar’s sister ship, Maritimo 100, skippered by none other than Bill Barry-Cotter himself. As one of the four super maxis in the fleet, Maritimo 100 is a strong contender for both line honors and overall victory, setting the stage for a fascinating familial rivalry on the high seas.
Chasing the Dream Against the Odds
While Spies acknowledges that a fairytale overall win may be just out of reach for Katwinchar this year due to the weather conditions favoring larger boats, he remains optimistic about their chances within their division. The current forecast predicts a fast start with strong tailwinds, followed by challenging blustery conditions on the first night, which could hamper the smaller yacht’s progress.
We’ll certainly give it our best shot and try for a good, solid place in our division.
– Michael Spies, Co-Skipper of Katwinchar
Regardless of the outcome, Katwinchar’s participation in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart race is a celebration of sailing history, craftsmanship, and the unbreakable bond between humans and the sea. As she sets sail on December 26th, the eyes of the sailing world will be upon this 120-year-old marvel, cheering her on as she chases her dreams against the odds, carrying with her the spirit of those long-ago brewery workers who dared to create something extraordinary from the humblest of beginnings.
In a world where the latest technology and cutting-edge designs often dominate the sailing landscape, Katwinchar serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless magic of wooden boats and the enduring allure of the open ocean. Her story is one that will be told for generations to come, inspiring sailors and dreamers alike to embrace the challenges of the sea and to never give up on their passions, no matter how improbable they may seem.
As the Sydney to Hobart fleet assembles at the starting line, Katwinchar will be there, her varnished timber gleaming in the sun, her sails eager to catch the wind, and her crew ready to write another chapter in her extraordinary tale. And as she crosses the finish line in Hobart, whether in victory or defeat, one thing is certain: Katwinchar will have once again etched her name into the annals of sailing history, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who built her, those who restored her, and those who sail her still.
