Happy Wanderer

This boat, normally known as Duende, is renamed ‘Happy Wanderer’ in a nod to the ‘Wandering Warriors’, an organisation that provides tertiary education, employment and mentoring opportunities to ex-serving Australian Special Forces and Defence Force members. It is also building a network of companies committed to creating employment opportunities for ex-members of the Australian Defence Force. The Rolex Sydney Hobart crew comprises a group with varied sailing experience and living on opposite sides of the country. They have been trained by the boat’s owner, Damien Parkes, who will be coaching the team on board.

Last year, Parkes skippered this JV52 to PHS 10th. The previous year, Duende was PHS 13th after placing PHS 12th and third in Division 1 in the 2016 race. She scored PHS seventh for third in Division 1 in 2015, PHS 11th in 2014, PHS ninth in 2013, 54th overall in IRC in 2012 and retired in 2011. This yacht originally raced in Europe as Tau Ceramics and Lacoste. 

Competitor Details