It turns out the big lift ship that transported a pair of inshore patrol vessels (IPV) boats to Cork Harbour last week was carrying more than just boats for the Irish Navy. An Australian entry into this August's Rolex Fastnet Race was also on board the Happy Dynamic.
Maluka of Kermandie, representing the Port Huon Yacht Club in southern Tasmania, has now been offloaded and is alongside at the Royal Cork Yacht Club pontoon.
"Enjoying coffee at Royal Cork Yacht Club and the mighty Maluka arrived. Secret preparation for Fastnet. Looking fabulous after the trip from Sydney," as stated by social media poster Lyndsay May.
Originally built 80 years ago of Huon pine, the gaff-rigged Maluka was lovingly rebuilt by Sean Langman, better known for his high-octane yachts AAPT and Loyal.
He sailed Maluka in the 2006 Rolex Sydney Hobart and was the first boat under 9.5m LOA to finish. In fact, she was the smallest boat to compete, placing eight overall; in the year of the ‘golden oldies’ when Love & War won, Bacardi was second and Impeccable fifth.
In 2011 and 2012, she had the distinction of being last on line (but finished 34th overall in 2011), the irony being Langman was listening when his former Loyal sailed to a line honours win in 2011.
While she carries a Sydney Amateur Sailing Club sail number, Maluka of Kermandie represents the Port Huon Yacht Club in southern Tasmania.