A classic racer comes home

Respected Tasmanian yacht designer, builder, and ocean racer Jock Muir created many great yachts over a career spanning more than four decades. While many of his boats have left Tasmanian shores, Jock’s family have bought back one of his finest designs, Trevassa, and returned her to Hobart.

After being owned for 41 years by Sydney yachtsman Russell Duffield, the classic wooden boat is now berthed at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and has undergone a major refurbishment by the Muir family.

Their most immediate aim was to have her shipshape for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival where she was exhibited along with other Jock Muir build yachts, including Westwind built in 1937, Westward, winner of the Sydney Hobart Yacht races in 1947 and 1948 and Maris built in 1958. Under the ownership of Russell Duffield, Trevassa sailed in five Sydney Hobart races between 1972 and 1990.

‘Russell was 89 when he decided it was time Trevassa returned to her home waters, so the Muir family bought her back from Russell and sailed her down to Hobart in October 2012,’ says Ross Muir. ‘We will use her for family outings and cruises here in Hobart … perhaps an occasional race,’ John Muir added.

Constructed in 1971 of Huon pine planking over hardwood ribs, Trevassa has a LOA of 48 feet. She has eight tons of lead on the keel and a well-designed underwater shape. Her strength and sturdiness ensures that she cuts quietly and smoothly through the water and is a delight to sail.

To step aboard Trevassa is to find oneself surrounded by beautifully crafted and finished teak timbers that gleam warmly in the light.  She is a true work of art and a tribute to the craftsmanship of Jock Muir and to his family who have lovingly restored her.

According to the Muir family, wooden boats are like family members and it is wonderful to see Trevassa back home in Hobart!

To access a copy of Jock Muir Maritime Reflections, go to jockmuir.com.

The wonderful new book Blood, Sweat and the Sea about the life of John Muir is available at all good bookshops.