Maritimo’s dual entry adds glamour and legacy to the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart

The pinnacle of luxury: Maritimo 100

At 100 feet, the Maritimo 100 is a sailing superyacht that epitomises elegance and performance. Custom-built by the esteemed Oyster Yachts, it is one of only two Oyster 100 models in existence. Designed with luxury in mind, the yacht features three opulent staterooms with marble-clad ensuite bathrooms, a panoramic saloon, a professional chef’s galley, and two crew cabins.

With a top speed of 20 knots and a daily average run of 250 nautical miles, Maritimo 100 is as fast as it is luxurious. Its crew, led by Maritimo founder Bill Barry-Cotter and his brother Kendal, includes seasoned sailors and Maritimo executives such as Ross “Rossco” Willaton, a 50-year veteran of powerboat racing with multiple championship titles.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to undertake this iconic race with people who’ve been instrumental in my companies over the past 60 years,” said Barry-Cotter. “Maritimo 100 is a brilliant yacht to experience the thrill of the race and the camaraderie it brings.”

How is Maritimo 100 fairing in the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race? At 26 hours into the race, Maritimo 100 is placed 29th overall, and 9th in the PHS – Div 1 handicap. Currently sailing along at 8.4 knots an hour Maritimo 100 will complete the race in 408.9 NM.

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A legacy restored: Maritimo Katwinchar

At the other end of the spectrum is the 32-foot Maritimo Katwinchar, a timber yacht steeped in history. Built in 1904, Katwinchar has been lovingly restored by Maritimo’s skilled craftspeople to meet modern racing standards.

Katwinchar has a rich heritage, having first competed in the RSHYR in 1951 and later winning the Grand Veterans’ division in 2019. This year, it will be sailed in the Double-Handed Division by Michael Spies and Peter Vaiciurgis. Spies, a five-time world champion, is an RSHYR veteran with 45 editions under his belt, while Vaiciurgis, an accomplished sailor and boatbuilder, brings a wealth of experience.

“Racing aboard Katwinchar is such a great privilege,” said Vaiciurgis. “Maritimo has done an exceptional job restoring her, and she handles beautifully as a two-handed boat. I look forward to bringing her into Hobart for her third time and seeing the reaction from onlookers.”

How is Maritimo Katwinchar fairing in the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race? At 26 hours into the race, Maritimo Katwinchar is placed 62nd overall, and 1st in the IRC – Double-handed handicap. Currently sailing along at 6.6 knots an hour Maritimo Katwinchar will complete the race in 431 NM.

Maritimo: a name synonymous with excellence

Founded by Bill Barry-Cotter, Maritimo has been a cornerstone of the Australian boating industry for over six decades. The company is unique in combining luxury yacht manufacturing with an in-house world championship offshore racing team. With 16 Australian Offshore Superboat Championships and a UIM XCAT World Championship to its name, Maritimo’s racing pedigree is unmatched.

This dual entry into the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race exemplifies Maritimo’s commitment to both innovation and tradition. The sleek, state-of-the-art Maritimo 100 and the lovingly restored Katwinchar showcase Maritimo’s ability to craft yachts that excel in both style and heritage, meshed together with the ability to perform admirably in what are considered very tough conditions in the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.