Awen

The IMOCA Open 60 yacht Awen is a high-performance ocean racing vessel. Originally launched as Ecover 2, it has competed under various names, including Mutua Madrileña and Central Lechera Asturiana ESP 23, before becoming Awen. She is owned by David Hows and will be skippered in her first Sydney Hobart by Canadian born Sharon Ferris-Choat, who represented New Zealand at two Olympic Games.

The name Awen means ’inspiration’ in Welsh and is linked to the Welsh word ‘awel’, meaning ‘breeze’. She was owned by Evan Davies for eight years until Hows bought her, competing in coastal and offshore racing events in New Zealand. Now part of Hows’ Ocean Sailing Expeditions fleet, Awen offers sailors the chance to crew on a vessel with a legendary racing pedigree. Commissioned by British environmentalist and yachtsman Mike Golding, the yacht participated in short-handed events like the IMOCA Ocean Masters Series and the 2004 and 2005 Vendée Globe.

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