Sail Number: 70
Current Name: Spirit of Koomooloo – ex, (1988) Margaret Rintoul II, ex (1968) Ragamuffin
Type: S&S 48
LOA: 48’8″ / 14.83m – LOA: 48’8″ / 14.83m – LWL: 36’0″ / 10.97m – Beam: 12’6″ / 3.81m – Draft: 7’9″ / 2.36m – Design Number: 1949 – Rig: Sloop – Displacement: 30,654 lbs – Ballast: – Sail Area: 1,050 sq ft – Sail Number: 70 – Designer: Sparkman & Stephens – Built By: Quilkey Brothers, Sydney, Australia – Original Owner: Syd Fischer – Current Owner: Mike Freebairn – Launched: 1968
Historical:
Ragamuffin has raced in 21 Rolex Sydney Hobarts, three Admiral’s Cups – 1969, 1971 and 1973
Legendary owner Syd Fischer has represented Australia internationally in 5 America’s Cup campaigns; self-funding all (a record shared with Sir Thomas Lipton). Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Yachting Awards 2013, Award for services to Yachting 2003, mentor to many of today’s sailors including Ian Murray, James Spithill.
In 1968 the first of Syd’s yachts named Ragamuffin hit the water. Syd built her in time for the Admiral’s Cup trials. She was the top point scorer at the ’68 Cup for Australia, with the team finishing 2nd overall.
The boat went on to win every major race it contested in Australia, with the exception of the Hobart race. As of 2010, she has sailed 25 Hobart races under the names of Ragamuffin, Margaret Rintoul II and Spirit of Koomooloo.
Known Racing History:
1971 – Fastnet Race Winner
Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):
Owner/Guardian: (1968) Syd Fischer
Owner/Guardian: Mike Freebairn