Ileo-la is a unique entry in the Hobart race in that she has three masts. From the board of the famous American designer Francis Herreshoff, she was built privately by her owner and is known as a H55 Marco Polo Class. This boat was designed for world cruising and has been successfully raced on Port Phillip Bay and in three Bass Strait races, also she has cruised considerably around Bass Strait and the Tasmanian coast. It is believed that she is the first boat of her class to be built in the world, another one having been built since in Western Australia. This vessel has not been seen in Sydney, her potential is unknown and her performance must be watched with a great deal of interest.