Maritimo 11 not to race in Sydney to Hobart
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 20 Dec 2022 15:57 HKT
Maritmo11 sets off South for the Sydney Hobart Race © Maritimo
The newer Maritimo 11 (TP52) is laid up in Coffs Harbour, having suffered minor structural damage in the stiff Southerlies and significant seaway that has been hounding the East coast for days now. Up for’ard, one of the longitudinals should be ultrasounded before repairs are undertaken, so as to ensure there is nothing more significant lurking unserneath, which is in keeping with the safety first policy of the company, and a direct instruction from their founder, Bill Barry-Cotter.
Meanwhile the well-campaigned Schumacher 54, also Maritimo 11, is in full readiness to depart from Southport this evening, but a hearing with the jury at 1600hrs AEDT has not upheld her previous entry into the great race.
The race crew had previously qualified and does not need to do the delivery to meet this requirement. Skipper Michael Spies commented, “We had entered both boats. We withdrew the Schumacher after encouragement from the CYCA. That boat is all set and qualified. It was always a tight programme to get the TP52 ready, and to the start line. She has made it all the way from the USA to Australia, via Fiji, and we just want to be absolutely sure before putting the crew on her for a race.” Safety first is always a good thing.
Naturally Maritimo Racing is disappointed not be taking part in the 2022 edition of the Sydney to Hobart race, but is definitely keen to be a part of the 2023 race next Christmas.