Imalizard

Bruce Watson could not resist returning for the 75th; Imalizard was dismasted in the 2017 Rolex Sydney Hobart after winning PHS Division 2 in her first Rolex Sydney Hobart in 2016. The water ballasted Welbourn 12 was purpose-built for the double handed Melbourne Osaka Race and is quick downwind – Watson’s main purpose for buying her. He is a Short Handed Sailing Association of Australia committee member, has raced it solo in SSAA competitions, with short hander friends two handing it in the 2016 Coffs Harbour race.

Watson prefers to sail the boat two-handed and finds a boat built for two very cosy with a crew of 6, ‘but everyone gets on, which is what sailing is all about’ he says. Half of the Imalizard crew is French, a nation that has produced some great single handed sailors and enviable cuisine. However, for the three days of the race, thoughts of confit de canard and foie gras have to go by the wayside, although the French penchant for black coffee is easily accommodated! Asked about next year’s inaugural Rolex Sydney Hobart Two Handed Division, he said ‘It’s a great development and you can expect Imalizard to be lining up!’

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