Sail Number: 45
Type: 75-Square-Meter (Knud Reimers 61)
LOA: 61’0″ / 18.60m – LWL: 47’0″ / 14.32m – Beam: 10’2″ / 3.10m – Draft: 8’10” / 2.7m – Hull Number: 855426 – Designer: Knud Reimers – Original Owner: Vic Speight – Current Owner: Nigel A. Stoke – Year Built: 1964 – Built By: Lidgard Bros., Auckland, New Zealand – Construction: triple, diagonal planked kauri – Gross Displacement: 15 MT – Sail Area: 1,300 sq ft – Engine Model: Yanmar 75 hp – Club: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron – Flag: Australia.
Historical:
Australian Square Metre Association Australian Square Metre Association Australian Square Metre Association – Launched in New Zealand, Fidelis is Australia’s only 75sqm vessel. She was built in Auckland by Fred and Jim Lidgard. Inspired by the her visionary and owner Vic Speight. In keeping with traditional New Zealand building techniques of the time she was constructed with a triple skin Kauri. Her design was based on the lines of the 1936 Knud Reimers Square Metre Yacht Bacchant.
Known Racing Record
Nigel Stoke last raced Fidelis to Hobart in 2006, finishing PHS eighth overall. Beforehand, they joined the record entries for the 50th race in 1994, placing ninth in the 30 year division. A classic Kauri pine slimline yacht, she was designed by Knud Reimers and is famous for taking line honours in the 1966 Sydney Hobart when owned by Kiwi Jim Davern, who raced her to Hobart again in 1967, finishing second on line. Race again in 1969 and then under next owner, Peter Williams, in 1982. Took line honours in the 1966 Auckland Suva, 1967 Hobart Auckland the 1968 Wharingarei Noumea, 1979 Auckland Tonga and 1980 Tauranga to Port Vila races. She also cruised over 200,000nm. Nigel Stoke keeps her immaculate and has reassembled some of the crew from 2006.
Restoration:
Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders very first refit, Fidelis was one of the most famous yachts ever launched in New Zealand. Fidelis was extensively refitted by Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders in 1987 to transform her from a stripped out ocean racer to one of the fastest and most luxurious passage-makers of her day. Work included major interior and exterior modifications including new teak decks and a full repaint.
Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):
Owner: (1964) – Vic Speight
Owner: Jim Devern
Owner: Nigel Stoke