There are many stories about trans-Tasman rivalry in all fields of sport. From netball to rugby, from yachting to cricket. The history of the sailing yacht Fidelis could only be described as a celebration of her trans-Tasman story. Over a period of 61 years, this yacht has forged a history and an impressive list of achievements in both countries and has made the voyage across the Tasman Sea more than 15 times.
Fidelis is ready for a new chapter, and the current owner has the wish that she returns to her country of birth to again be a commanding presence on the waters of Waitematā Harbour.
The distinctive lines of Fidelis date from the 1930s and are typical of the Scandinavian designs of that time, all featuring a long, easily driven hull, moderate beam, a smooth underbody, and acres of sail. A true Metre-style DNA – in fact, a 75m². The actual design credit goes to the original owner, Vic Speight, but with more than a ‘nod’ of reference to the designs of Knud Reimers and the lines offered by Uffa Fox in his book Sail and Power.
At 61 feet (18.6m) in length, she was an impressive build. The hull was constructed by Lidgards in Auckland and completed in 1964. There is little doubt that Vic Speight was fixated on joining a good number of boats universally known as the ‘Ranger Beaters’ — a series of differing designs and builds, all hoping to take on and beat the amazing A-class racer Ranger. The interesting synergy in all these boats is that they were not primarily built as ocean racers, but for the fiercely competitive sailing of the Hauraki Gulf.
How was it that such a design could sail so very well in the teeth of a stormy Tasman Sea gale? It was the second owner of Fidelis who took her to legendary offshore status. The moulded kauri construction was strong and tight and very fast. With good advice and strategic changes to rudder and mast, James Davern and his crew developed Fidelis into a world-class ocean racing yacht. Fidelis became the very first New Zealand yacht to win line honours in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race of 1966.
They say we never quite own a boat such as Fidelis; we are merely custodians. It is now time for her to once more return to New Zealand. As a cruising boat she is considered moderate, well behaved, and very easy to handle. As a racing yacht she is even better.
Classic 61’ racer cruiser
Type: Fast fractional cutter-rigged sloop
Year: 1964, Auckland, NZ
Length: 18.54m
Beam: 2.96m
Draft: 2.55m
Displacement: 15,000kg
Designer: Knud Reimers / Vic Speight
Builder: Lidgard Bros, New Zealand
Location: Sydney Harbour RANSA
For the full inventory and expressions of interest, contact:
Vicsail
📞 +61 2 9327 5131
🌐 www.vicsail.com
