Drew takes on Kialoa II

The crew of the delightful classic yawl, Kialoa II in front of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge © Andrea Francolini

It's been 46 years since Jim Kilroy's S&S penned, 73-foot, 45 metric tonne, alloy maxi yawl, Kialoa II, took line honours in the 1971 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. She's about to do the other race that stops the nation once again. Well done to Paddy Broughton for making it so, and for taking the old girl around the globe to do the races she did so well in all those years ago, including the Fastnet.

Apart from being wonderfully good sports, the team have real heart, also taking on Movember (charity with males growing Moustaches in November to support Men's health). Special thanks to them for taking 'Drew' (aka Andrea Francolini) out with them for a sail before this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Drew applied his terrific talents to show you the ways of yore, and you can keep up to date with his works at his FB Page

For those who are too young that is a spin pole the foredeckie is going out on! The item hanging down is the spike he'll use to release the Gib clip holding the kite so they can douse it. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Barmy Army could be needing those hats... - photo © Andrea Francolini

All the crew had jobs and deck mounted winches - your back hurts thinking about it. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Back in the time when the Afterguard really were aft. Way aft. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Bow 1, Bow 2, Mid Bow 1, and Mid Bow 2. - photo © Andrea Francolini

That brown stuff is wood, and it is glossy because of another thing called varnish, which you have to apply regularly! - photo © Andrea Francolini

A modern yacht probably weighs about as much as those grinders! If it were not for the cordage and rags you could go back 50 years... - photo © Andrea Francolini