Southern Excellence II

Andrew Wenham purchased the former Ichi Ban in March this year and won line honours in the protracted Gosford Lord Howe Island race in a time of 63hrs, 45mins 22secs; one of the longest in the race’s recent history after being marred by light and fluky winds. In similar conditions in this year’s Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, Southern Excellence II finished fifth on line and fifth in IRC Division 0 and then took line honours in the Blue Water Pointscore’s Bird Island Race in October.

Wenham has upgraded a number of systems on the boat to improve her IRC rating and to suit his requirements. His crew, including eldest son David, is bolstered by the likes of sailmaker Ian Broad, who will be pushing hard for a podium finish in their first Hobart aboard this yacht. With his former Southern Excellence, a Volvo 60, Wenham crossed the line in 15^th place for sixth overall in PHS.

Originally built for and competed in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race, this yacht reaped some great results for former owner Matt Allen, including second on line in 2006 Rolex Sydney Hobart and third in 2007 and 2008. Allen also came close winning the Hobart overall too; fourth in 2006 and fifth in 2007, with a sixth on line and 11^h overall last year.

Competitor Details