The Yachts

Southern Excellence II

Southern Excellence II

 

Andrew Wenham purchased the former Ichi Ban in March this year and won line honours in the Gosford Lord Howe Island yacht race in a time of 63 hours, 45minutes and 22 seconds; which was one of the longest in the race’s recent history marred by light and fluky winds.

Wenham has upgraded a number of systems on the boat to improve her IRC rating and to suit his requirements. Whilst it’s a little older, Wenham still thinks Southern Excellence II will be competitive against the newer Volvo 70, Black Jack, and Jim Cooney’s Jutson 80 Brindabella and his crew will be pushing hard for a podium finish.

This ex Volvo Ocean Racer reaped some great results for former owner Matt Allen including second on line in 2006 Rolex Sydney Hobart and third in 2007 and 2008. He has come so close winning the Hobart overall too; fourth in 2006 and fifth in 2007. In that no-man’s land 70ft range, it takes special weather and the right moves to place this boat which finished 6th on line and 11h overall last year.

 

Competitor Details

Yacht Name Southern Excellence II
Sail Number AUS03
Owner Andrew Wenham
Skipper Andrew Wenham
Navigator Rob Buchanan
Crew I Broad, A Burt, M Tyrell, P Meakins, D Hogben, M Lewkovitz, D Wenham, R Burns, D Burt, J Turner, K Swiney, A Chase
State NSW
Club CYCA
Type Volvo Open 70
Designer Don Jones
Builder Hart Marine
Construction GRP
LOA 21.5m
Beam 5.68m
Draft 4.56