Freyja is the second oldest yacht in the race; an Atkins Ketch designed by William Atkins and built in 1945. Richard Lees has taken her in the Rolex Sydney Hobart twice. In 2016 she made it halfway up the Harbour and retired after blowing out a headsail at the back of the fleet. Dr Richard Lees was better prepared in 2017 and received the huge cheer and warm Hobart welcome reserved for the last finisher.

Lees’ daughter and son-in- law purchased Freyja, launched in San Francisco Bay. It needed major repairs, so Lees and his wife became partners to help. The two families otherwise use Freyja for family holidays and races out of Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.

She will be skippered by Andrew Miller this year, with Richard planning on travelling down to Hobart to welcome them at the dock.