Akatea

One of three Cookson 50s in the race, this New Zealand yacht is coming up for her first Rolex Sydney Hobart, so her form is relatively unknown. However, she is a local product of Cooksons in Auckland, so on paper, should be a goer. As if to prove so, in March 2011, Akateatook line honours in the NZ Round North Island Yacht Race. She finished well ahead of the rest of the fleet, winning all four legs on line. Crew includes family members Wade and Ross Lewis, who were aboard for the win. Also joining the crew is noted Kiwi all-round yachtsman, Rodney Keenan, who has travelled this path a few times in the past and picks his boats carefully, meaning Akatea is sure to make her mark.

Competitor Details