Maluka

Because of the fast downwind conditions, Maluka finished well inside her usual time last year, stopping the clock at 08:38:07 on 30 December, more than a day ahead of her usual New Year’s finishes, placing 76th on line from 83 finishers. Sean Langman was pleased with his 12^th overall, which translated to winning Division 4 from another golden oldie and three-time Sydney Hobart winner, Love & War. The Ranger designed Maluka was looking good in the 2014 Hobart, but conditions lightened and she placed 13th and third in Division 4. She contested her first Hobart in 2006 and placed eighth overall, the first boat under 9.5 metres to finish (the same year Love & War and Bacardi finished first and second).

Maluka was last on line in 2011 and 2012 - the irony being Langman was listening to the radio when his former yacht Loyal sailed to line honours victory in 2011. Maluka was built in 1932 from Tasmanian Huon pine. She is the smallest in the fleet and is usually the oldest - but the two-year older Dorade wears that mantle in 2017. Gaff-rigged, she was rebuilt by Noakes head, Langman, also known for racing his high-octane former yachts, AAPT and Loyal. This year will sail in competition to his son Peter, who is racing on Patrice.

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