1970 was a tough year to start a Hobart, but Maria finished 21st in a race from which 14 retired. A record until then. In that race Captain Des Cooper broke his arm, and the press were most impressed with his even finishing what many say was the roughest ever Hobart. Graham Frizzle Freeman launched his ocean racing career on this boat; she is a thoroughbred S&S design which could again do well with her age allowance.