This yacht began life as Hecate and represented Australia at the World One Ton Cup in Auckland, New Zealand in 1977. She was then purchased by John Pickles of Lake Macquarie, who had already won the 1976 Hobart race with his previous yacht of the same name. This year Piccolo is under charter to former 16 footer ace Bob Schroder, who will push the boat hard, as evidenced by a fine 3rd overall in the latest Montague race. Piccolo finished 22nd overall last year.