Duende

Duende will once again be the boat that carries the man to have achieved the most Hobart races, Tony Cable, who is coming up for race number 48. In an offshore career that spans over 50 years, this national living treasure remains a dedicated and enthusiastic ocean racer and club man – he is a Life member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, where he served on the board and continues to play an active role.  

According to Damien Parkes and his co-sailors, ‘Glark’ as he is known, is not just a pretty face, but a very capable member of the crew, who the younger members aboard the yacht hold in the greatest esteem. It doesn’t hurt that he can tell a good yarn and has a sound knowledge of the race that few can boast. This will be the third time he will head south on Duende. Parkes himself is undertaking Hobart number 27 and his crew includes experienced navigator Donald Graham. Some students from the Pacific Sailing School will also be aboard.

From the German based Judel/Vrolijk stable, this boat previously raced as Tau Ceramics and Lacoste in Europe, but was modified for Australian conditions and optimised under the IRC rating system. Her crew achieved their goal last year when they sailed over the finish line and into Constitution Dock in one piece. Tenth in in IRC Division 1 after being forced to retire from the 2011 race with engine problems heading into Bass Strait, was a great achievement.

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