Welcome Aboard the Spirit of Sydney

Spirit of Sydney was designed by Ben Lexcen and launched by then-Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke in the euphoric era following Australia’s history breaking win of the America’s Cup with the Ben Lexcen designed Australia 2 and its famous winged keel. Ian Kiernan sailed Spirit solo around the world in the 1986 BOC Challenge and to his credit achieved 4^th place against much lighter high tech yachts, probably aided by the fact that his “landrover of the sea” suffered no structural failures and is a well balanced ‘sweet’ yacht that handles well under auto pilot.

Spirit was built in an era when good racing performance was tempered by respect for the power of the mighty southern ocean. Therefore, she is a strong and powerful yacht with excellent all round sailing ability and her tough aluminium construction and watertight bulkheads have given her a useful second life as an Antarctic Expedition yacht. She is an ocean greyhound with long clean lines and flared bow sections for surfing the big rollers of the southern ocean, offering an exhilarating experience for guests and crew alike.

Primary safety is paramount and exemplified in excellent sailing ability, like the capacity to sail off a lee shore in a gale, or surf under control when the waves build.  Primary safety is also covered by an over-built southern ocean sailing rig, powerful 130 hp turbo diesel engine and large feathering prop, 6 watertight compartments and redundancy in most systems and equipment.

Spirit of Sydney offers comfort with heated insulated interior, antarctic specified water maker, and hot fresh water showers. We emphasize safety, adventure, and hands-on experience. The pleasant raised saloon with windows at eye level has a diesel drip heater in-set in the saloon table and offers a cosy social environment, while the aluminium and plexiglass ‘ bomber style’ dodger over the cockpit keeps the crew relatively warm and dry whilst on watch. The large sugar scoop or stern platform is an ideal platform for kayaking, diving or just boarding the zodiac.

Spirit has been meticulously maintained and refitted, so that she has evolved on a yearly basis. The ongoing maintenance schedule covers many items from new sails, forestays and headsail furlers to zodiacs imported from France.