A steel sloop to the design of Australian architect Alan Payne,  "Bacchus" is an immensely strong yacht and favours heavier conditions.  She has always been towards the front of the fleet and has come close to line honours in the Hobart race.  With a very able and experienced owner and crew, "Bacchus" again should be one of the first yachts to Hobart, although her handicap does not particularly favour her for a placing on corrected time.