Patrice

Tony Kirby launched his latest Patrice, a Ker 46, in November just prior to the CYCA’s Cabbage Tree Island Yacht Race, where it finished fourth overall, and is one of the brand new yachts in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart. A light displacement carbon-hulled racer, she has been designed and optimised for IRC and ORCi racing and will suit a wide range of conditions. The hull shape is rounded with plenty of flat section aft for planing quickly, and she has a slim keel aft and optimized bulb.

With his previous yacht, an X-41 called Patrice Six,  ‘TK’ finished fifth overall and third in IRC Division 3 in 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart, after a win looked to be in the bag until the final hours. It was the first time the ORCi was used in Australia, and Patrice Six finished third under that rule. In last year’s race, Kirby was 32^nd overall, as conditions did not favour the 40 footers. However, he was seventh in ORCi Division 3 and 10^th in IRC Division 3. As a result, he finished eighth in the 2012-2013 Blue Water Pointscore, the first time the Series concluded with the 628 nautical mile race. 

An experienced crew includes Pete Messenger, a veteran of 24 Hobarts inclusive of wins and trimmer Gail Harland, who has 18 to her credit, including a win.  Kirby will be on his 29^th race south and is hoping his new boat will provide that elusive win.

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