Silver Fern

David Hows did two Sydney Hobarts with his former yacht, Ocean Gem, before buying Silver Fern, a robust 30-ton steel yacht.  She was originally built as a Birdsall 60 in 1981, before being redesigned by Brett Bakewell-White, extended to 72ft and relaunched in 2004.  She spent 2005-2016 circumnavigating the globe, visiting over 70 countries.  Buying the yacht in 2020, Hows is prepared for her next chapter as a comfortable but competitive and strong ocean racing and expedition yacht.  Similar to Salt Lines in many respects, the two will likely keep each other company throughout the race.

Competitor Details