Winston Churchill was one of the most able starters in the first Sydney Hobart race, finishing second and gaining third placing on handicap. This will be her seventh Hobart race, the first three being under the hand of her designer – builder and owner, Percy Coverdale, and the others under her new owner, Sir Arthur Warner, from Melbourne. This is an able racing yacht as well is a most comfortable cruiser. In 1956 she won the Queenscliff to Sydney race prior to starting in the Hobart race. She has been thoroughly refitted and modernised for this year's race, now carry a yawl rig.