The fabulous FIDELIS

by Jessica Statham on 26 Oct 2000 Fidelis is one of the most famous yachts ever launched in New Zealand. What is known is that she was built in Auckland in1964.

Her racing career started with a line honours win in the Auckland to Suva Race of 1966. She then made her way to Australia to enter that year's Sydney to Hobart race.

Fidelis did more than just get the gun in her inaugural Hobart - she set a new race record of 4 days, 8 hours and 39 minutes, a record that stood for the next nine years.

During the eighties Fidelis was altered extensively. Shipwrights laboured to transform her from a stripped-out ocean greyhound into on of the fastest and most luxurious passage-makers around.

Down below, Fidelis has a classic teak fit-out, leather upholstery and a catalogue of everything necessary for comfortable cruising.


Length Overall : 61ft (18.59metres)

Length Waterline : 47ft 4" (14.42 metres)

Beam : 10ft (3.04 metres)

Draught : 8ft (2.43 metres)

Displacement : 26,880 pounds ( 12,192kg)

Sail-Area: 1304 sq. ft (121.18 square metres)

Designer : Vic Speight/Knud Reimers

Year Designed : 1962

Owner : Nigel Stoke 1994 -


Fidelis has an outstanding race history. She has been in 5 Sydney to Hobart races, dating back to 1966. She finished her first Sydney to Hobart in 4 days 8 hours and 39 minutes. Fidelis finished 70 miles and 17hrs ahead of Balandra.
In 1967 she also competed in this world famous race the following year and was 2nd across the line 2 hours 26 minutes behind Pen-Duick III. In 1994 Fidelis was the line Honours Veteran Division first yacht 'through the Heads'

Fidelis competed in the 1996 Sydney to Mooloolaba and was the winner on PHRS. Also she in the Brisbane to Gladstone 1997 she was the line Honours Veteran Division.

The year is the first time Fidelis will compete in this category one Ocean class race to Lord Howe Island. Amongst this years fleet we will see a number of past entrants and also a number of freshers.