Maris is another Alan Payne Seabird design, with the difference that she has been given a yawl rig. As a consequence of this, she will rate slightly higher than the other Seabirds, but the advantage of the mizzen staysail in certain wind conditions might well compensate for this. Built by Jock Muir in Hobart in 1958, she was the first Seabird to be launched, although she has not been properly finished off until this year. Owner Jack Earl of Kathleen fame is one of Australia's most experienced yachtsman, and with his crew, should provide a few headaches for the other competitors.