Founder and CEO Bill Barry-Cotter, a prominent figure in the Australian boating industry, has dedicated over six decades to designing and building award-winning yachts, both for the local market and international exports. Maritimo stands out as the only luxury motor yacht manufacturer in the world with an in-house racing division, complete with its own world championship offshore powerboat race team.
Bill’s passion for competitive sailing began in his youth on Sydney’s Pittwater, and alongside his brother Kendal, they’ve been active in the sport for many years. Since the 1990s, under Bill’s leadership, the Maritimo Racing Team has amassed numerous victories, including 16 Australian Offshore Superboat ‘AUS1’ Championships and the 2019 UIM XCAT World Championship and XCAT Pole Position titles, among many others. Bill’s participation in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race marks his third attempt, a significant milestone as he sails alongside Kendal aboard Maritimo 100.
Maritimo 100
The Maritimo 100 yacht measures 30.4 meters (100 feet) in length, with a beam of 7.4 meters. Designed by Ed Dubois and built by Oyster Yachts, the yacht features a GRP hull and a draft of 4 meters. Its total sail area spans 1670 square meters, with a total displacement of 103 tonnes and a hull weight of 31 tonnes. The Maritimo 100 has a top speed of 20 knots and a daily average run of 250 nautical miles.
05/12/2024
Ph. Andrea Francolini
At 100 feet, Maritimo 100 is one of only two Oyster 100 models ever built by the prestigious British yacht builder. This custom-designed sailing superyacht is a sight to behold with three luxurious staterooms, each with a marble-and-stone ensuite, a spacious saloon with panoramic views, separate dining and lounge areas, a professional galley, and two crew cabins. Designed to accommodate eight guests in ultimate comfort, Maritimo 100 offers an experience of luxury and elegance, ensuring a racing environment unlike any other.
Bill will be joined by his brother Kendal and other key Maritimo executives, including Phil Candler, Maritimo’s General Manager of Operations, and Ross “Rossco” Willaton, a 50-year veteran of powerboat racing. Rossco, who has been with Maritimo for 20 years, will bring his extensive experience to the team, having won 16 Australian and three World Championship titles.
Reflecting on his involvement in this year’s race, Bill shared, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race with a group of people who have been integral to my companies for the past 60 years. Maritimo 100 is an incredible yacht, and this race will be a thrilling experience for all of us.”
The crew of Maritimo 100 for the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race includes Skipper Peter Jones, who has competed in 26 RSHYRs, and Kendal Barry-Cotter with 12 RSHYRs. Bill Barry-Cotter brings two RSHYRs of experience, while Steve Jackson and Neil Sherring each have four RSHYRs. Scott Kauffman has participated in 16 RSHYRs, and Peter Britt has 17. Maclean Patton has four RSHYRs to his name, while Phillip Armstrong has three. Phil Candler, Martin Lewis, Paul Wrench, Ross Willaton, Jenny Ng, and Dim Balsem are all newcomers, with zero RSHYRs under their belts.
Maritimo Katwinchar
Maritimo Katwinchar is 10.02 meters (31 feet) in length and was originally built by Watney Brewery in 1904. The yacht has a draft of 1.66 meters, with a total displacement of 290 kilograms and a hull weight of 4.847 tonnes. It first raced in the Sydney Hobart in 1951 and participated in its last race in 2019.
27/07/2024
Ph. Andrea Francolini
MARITIMO KATWINCHAR
On the other end of the spectrum, Maritimo Katwinchar brings history to the race, having been lovingly restored by Maritimo’s skilled craftsmen to meet modern racing standards. Built in 1904, Katwinchar holds sentimental value for Bill and Kendal, as it was their family yacht growing up. The boat first competed in the Sydney Hobart in 1951 and returned to the race in 2019, where she won the Grand Veterans’ division.
For the 2024 race, Maritimo Katwinchar will be sailed double-handed by experienced sailors Michael Spies and Peter Vaiciurgis. Spies, a five-time World Champion and veteran of 45 editions of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, will co-skipper the yacht alongside Vaiciurgis, a seasoned competitor in the race. In August 2024, Katwinchar triumphed in the inaugural Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race, proving that age is no barrier to performance.
Peter Vaiciurgis, who has been racing since the age of 16, brings over 20 National titles and more than 25 State titles to the crew. Known for his passion for classic timber boats, he admires Maritimo’s work in restoring Katwinchar to racing condition. He commented, “It’s an absolute privilege to race on such a historic yacht. Maritimo has done an incredible job bringing Katwinchar back to life, and I’m excited to be part of her third Sydney Hobart race.”
The crew of Maritimo Katwinchar for the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race consists of co-skippers Michael Spies, with 45 RSHYRs, and Peter Vaiciurgis, who has competed in 2 RSHYRs.
Maritimo’s dual entry into the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race underscores the company’s dedication to both the tradition and innovation of competitive sailing, from luxury maxi yachts to classic timber racers.
