The Derwent Gift Classic Yacht Challenge 2013

by Krystina Mackintosh on 23 Jan 2013 The Derwent Gift is a community event celebrating, and bringing together all those who had a share in what the Derwent has given us, that is great boatyards, shipwrights, and those talented veteran sailors who raced and played on her back in the golden era of classic yacht racing, of the 30's and 40's.

Two old classic yachts Landfall and Sirocco, will match race with two of those same veteran sailors, Mick Purdon and John Lucas on the helm.

There will be be spectator boats of the era on the sidelines of the course carrying on board those who have fond memories of this bygone age.

We invite all those with boats and yachts of the era to join the spectator boats to be a part of a great photo opportunity to recreate the scene of times past.

Of course modern boats are very welcome, and encouraged to participate outside the photo zone.
The Date, 4 February. The time, 1.30pm

About the Yachts-

Dorade and Stormy Weather are words synonymous with the glory days of classic Yacht design in the 1930's. Designed by the now famous company of Sparkman and Stephens, S and S went on to design many of the America's Cup yachts, and became one of the most respected and sought after designers of classic yachts in the yachting world.

Here in Australia we have two of these early classics penned from the same era and designers.
You can imagine the surprise when the young team of Rod Sparkman and Olin Stephens, then in their early twenties received their first overseas commission not from Europe or England, but Tasmania!
The first design, Landfall, was commissioned by Guy Rex. She was designed in 1934 and built in 1935 by Percy Coverdale of Battery Point Boatyards.

Followed by Sirocco commissioned by Charles Davies designed in 1938, built in 1939 by Taylor Brothers also of Battery Point.

They were both built of Huon pine and other fine timbers; they had very similar lengths, 44ft, and were both designed to be cutting edge racing yachts. Both competed in different Sydney/Hobart races over the years.

Both left Tasmanian shores early somewhere in the mid 1940's, for various locations on the mainland, never to meet again......until 'The Derwent Gift' .

Sirocco has made her way home and is based in Hobart, Landfall is based in Sydney and has recently made her way down the coast, across Bass Strait to Hobart. She suffered much damage on the way, but is now on the hardstand at the RYCT undergoing repairs to make her ready for the races.

Reunited together again after more than half a century, a race event for all to enjoy.