Maritimos battle on

Despite challenging conditions, including choppy conditions and 35 knot gusts along the south coast of NSW, Maritimo 100 and Maritimo Katwinchar continue towards Hobart.

Photography by Salty Dingo/Rolex

27 December 2024

Australian motor yacht builder, Maritimo, has two yachts in this year’s RSHYR: a luxurious Oyster 100, called Maritimo 100, and 120-year-old timber yacht, Maritimo Katwinchar.

At 100-feet, Maritimo 100 is one of only two Oyster 100 models built to date by the esteemed British brand.

The historic 32-foot Maritimo Katwinchar has been impeccably restored by the skilled craftspeople at Maritimo to bring her up to racing standard. The hardy little vessel holds a sentimental place in the hearts of Bill and Kendal as their family yacht when they were growing up around Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

One of only two Oyster 100 models built to date, Maritimo 100 is an ultra-luxurious maxi.

Also flying the flag for Maritimo is the historic 32-foot Maritimo Katwinchar.

Maritimo Katwinchar at the race start.

Veteran of 45 editions of the RSHYR, Michael Spies taking his turn at the helm of Maritimo Katwinchar.

Built in 1904, Maritimo Katwinchar stands out for its unique design and has a rich and storied past. Racing as Katwinchar, she first competed in the Hobart in 1951, then again as the oldest yacht in the 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet when she won the Grand Veterans’ division with an impressive time of 4 days 6 hours 27 minutes 47 seconds.

Company founder and CEO, Bill Barry-Cotter has undertaken two “Hobarts” and this year’s is his third and most significant, sailing with Kendal on board Maritimo 100 with a crew comprised of Maritimo management along with highly experienced American navigator, Doug Johnstone.

When apprised of the two deaths during the race, Bill Barry-Cotter conveyed his condolences to the families and crew impacted and said, “Our thoughts are with the crews of the yachts after their team mates were tragically taken”.

He continued, “We have a very solid cruising yacht with Maritimo 100. She is handling the conditions well. We have a great team with a lot of experience so I am happy with our progress.”

Maritimo Katwinchar is sailed double-handed by Sailing Master Michael Spies and co-skipper Peter Vaiciurgis. Michael Spies is a five-time World Champion as well as a veteran of a phenomenal 45 editions of the Rolex Sydney Yacht Race. An accomplished sailor and boat builder, Peter is competing in his second Hobart.

Commenting on the loss of life and dangerous condition, Spies said, “The most important thing is safety in any race. That is my priority for Maritimo Katwinchar.

“We are on one of the smallest yachts and she is 120-years-old, and we will be sailing to the best of our ability on this wonderful yacht.”

maritimo.com.au

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