yacht helsal 2

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Former Sydney to Hobart yacht, Helsal II, sinks metres away from Grange Jetty in Adelaide

Crowds have flocked to see the famous yacht, which previously competed in the Sydney to Hobart race, after it capsized near a popular beach.

ADF on standby to help stranded Aussies

Sad news as Everest season turns fatal

Salvage efforts are ongoing after a former yacht, which competed in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart race, capsized in Adelaide.

The 70ft Helsal II vessel capsized just metres from the Grange Jetty on Saturday evening.

A Marine Safety team from South Australia’s Department of Infrastructure and Transport were able to secure the boat to prevent it from moving.

A continuously-flashing battery light was quickly installed to ensure the yacht could be identified, however swimmers and boaties have been asked to avoid the area since the weekend.

On Wednesday, another attempt was made to retrieve the yacht, which is stuck on a sandbar.

Some locals feared the mast could be at risk of impacting the jetty if strong winds or tides were to sway the vessel.

Despite calls from the City Of Charles Sturt local council for people to stay away from the area, the submerged yacht has become a tourist attraction in itself.

Currently on school holidays, families swarmed the jetty this week, in the hopes of catching a successful rescue attempt.

On Tuesday, local man Phil Burton took his four grandchildren to see the large vessel.

“The kids were hoping that it was going to be successful, and they said it was a pity that the nice boat was washed up on the beach,” Mr Burton told the Adelaide Advertiser .

“They wanted to know whether anyone on that board had been hurt or anything like that, but I assured them that, that wasn’t the case. They just wanted to know how they were doing to get it.”

The Helsal II has competed in a number of prestigious races, including the annual Sydney to Hobart Boxing Day competition in 2004, and the Phuket Kings Cup and the Hong Kong China Sea Race.

Australia’s Foreign Minister says the Australian Defence Force is “ready” to help Australians stranded on New Caledonia amid the exploding political unrest.

Two men have been confirmed dead after going missing on Mount Everest, with the body of a second climber found following search and rescue efforts.

FROM THE PAST ... 1977 to 1987 ...The years at Adams Yacht Design

After a stint sailing on the original "HELSAL" - including the 1973 record breaking Sydney / Hobart race - Graham Radford started working with Joe Adams in 1974. Graham basically served an apprenticeship before he became a partner in Adams Yacht Design (A.Y.D.) in 1977 and stayed there until 1987. Here are some of the yachts designed at Adams Yacht Design during those years.

It was a very interesting and productive time at A.Y.D. - which has not been matched since - with many well known one-off and production yachts completed and a string of line honours wins in most of the offshore races on the East Coast.

Other designs completed but not shown in the following pages include the A28, Traditional / A36, A8M, A13M, A&R 10.6M, A&R12.5M, A98 Charter yacht, A54 steel cruising yacht and the Naut 40 (Concept 40) - as well as modifications and new layouts and construction drawings for earlier Adams designs such as the A40, A12M and A45. The designs completed still form a significant part of the plans and production yachts available under the A.Y.D. banner.

Since leaving A.Y.D. and starting his own business in 1987, many of the so called Adams owners and builders have come to Graham Radford for advice, modification to their yachts or for their new designs.

"BUTTERCUP" - A15.2m

Designed 1984 for Don McIntyre for the 86/87 BOC Challenge - not ready in time.

Aluminium construction. Originally with stub keel and dagger c' board it was changed to a deep draft bulb keel before launching in 1990 and subsequently competed in the 1990/91 BOC finishing second in Class II.

"Buttercup" sailed twice around the world before making a quick trip to Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica 1992/93. "Buttercup" was sold to the USA for another circumnavigation under her new name "Lightwave". Another A15.2m, "Shuten-Dohji II" - Minoru Saito - completed both the 1990/91 and 1994/95 BOC Races.

"HELSAL II" - A66m RACING YACHT

Designed & Launched 1979, Helsal II was designed to rate the maximum under the IOR and is known as a Pocket Maxi. It became one of the better known yachts from Adams Yacht Design during the period 1977-87. She has competed in numerous offshore races including fifteen Sydney / Hobart Races, achieving 2nd and 3rd over the line and a recent Division A win on Performance Handicap. Helsal II has taken Line Honours at least four times in the Sydney / Mooloolaba & one handicap win. She has also taken line honours in the Melbourne / Hobart, Adelaide / Port Lincoln, Sydney / Vila, Montague Is ( Race record 1981) and even competed in the Transpac. This is but a brief summary of her racing career! Helsal II is another well used and well travelled yacht.

"THE OFFICE"

A66 Cruiser / racer - designed in 1984 and built by John McConaghy. FRP / foam sandwich hull and deck, stub keel, dagger c'board, rudder and skeg.

"The Office" was subsequently sold and renamed "HELSAL III"

A15.2m - designed in 1984 - originally named "VALKYRIE"

Aluminium construction, ballasted stub keel and dagger c'board, rudder and skeg.

Converted in 1991 to lifting bulb keel and spade rudder. The construction was modified to comply with A.B.S. approved plans. An extensive refit. Much improved performance in club races on Lake Macquarie and in offshore races such as Sydney / Hobart & Sydney / Southport. Line Honours Lord Howe 1995.

A15.2M production yachts have cruised extensively and competed in many long offshore races including :-

• Melbourne / Osaka
• Around Australia 1988
• Sydney / Hobart
• Melbourne / Devonport (Line hnrs)
• BOC Challenge x 3

"TEVAKE" H 101 - A11.9M

Designed 1979-80 and launched mid 1980's for cruising / racing. FRP / foam sandwich construction. Masthead rig, ballasted stub and keel dagger board.

Converted in 1994 to a lifting bulb keel with a significant reduction in weight and increase in stability making "TEVAKE" a completely different yacht. After the conversion she finished a creditable second over the line in the 1994 Melbourne/Devonport Race.

Other A11.9m's have been converted to fixed bulb keels, lifting keels, hull extensions, new spade rudders and updated rig options

Fractional rig, fin keel A11.9m's took line honours in many races in the 1980's - including :-

• Sydney / Coffs Harbour
• Montague Island
• Melbourne / Devonport

"FLASHDANCE" PF57 - A16.4m

Designed 1983/84 - Builder - Hampson Yachts - Also builders of the Radford "Sprint" 1990.

FRP / foam sandwich production yacht for fast cruising, incorporating a stepped sheer;and cuddy cabin. Stub keel, dagger c'board, rudder and skeg. Yachts of this design have completed in numerous offshore races including:-

• Brisbane / Osaka
• Melbourne / Hobart
• Darwin / Ambon

A.B.S approved plans completed in 1989.

"NEWCASTLE FLYER" - M7 - IOR ONE TON

Designed 1984 - Built by Carina Yachts in FRP / foam sandwich construction.

The owner's two previous yachts had been an A11.9M (Production boat # 1, "Newcastle Flyer") and an A10M (Production boat # 1 - "Spirit" ).

Sister Ship = "THUMBS UP"

Built by Ian Milner, Launceston, Tasmania.

Cedar strip construction.Member of Tasmanian Southern Cross Team.

Designed 1981 - 40' Production Motor Sailer

FRP single skin laminate hull, shallow fin keel, rudder and skeg.

Designed 1984 - 36' Production Motor Sailer

"PIANOLA III" - A&R 13.2m

Designed 1985 - 13.2m cruiser / racer. Builder Ron Stenner

FRP / foam sandwich hull and plywood deck. Fractional rig, fin keel, transom hung spade rudder. Sailing out of Pittwater.

"ALSTAR" - A15.2m

Designed 1984. Owner Alby Burgin. Aluminium construction. Modified house with cuddy cabin and slightly deeper stub keel and dagger centerboard.

Alby Burgin and "ALSTAR" have successfully competed in numerous long distance short-handed races including :-

• Melbourne / Osaka, etc.

Converted in 1996/97 to a lifting bulb keel

"SOVEREIGN 42"

Originally the A12M production yacht - Extensively updated 1990.

New centre aft cockpit deck moulds. New accommodation layouts, new rudder and keel. FRP / foam sandwich construction (A.B.S. approved plans.

"CARINA 44"

Hell Sal, it's just a race. The story of two Helsal's Sydney - Hobart

by Jim Gale / Rolex Sydney Hobart Media

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• Sailing Anarchy

Helsal II new owner

• Thread starter Recidivist
• Start date Jul 9, 2007

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Super anarchist.

• Jul 9, 2007

Seems a nice enough bloke - keen to promote big boat sailing. I don't know much about him but he's obviously sailed before and seems to know a lot of Vic sailors. Anyone know him? He bought Helsal II about 2 months ago and it's currently lying in Darwin - headed for East Coast later in the year I believe.  

I only no the original Owner ( small man). I wont even mention his name. not worth it. Love the boat?  

Who Owns the Old Helsal III, AKA The Office. It was down at the squady in Kirrabilly for a while.  

Jolly Roger Tornado Crew

nice enough guy...haven't sailed with him yet...Maybe this weekend?  

havefungetgundrinkrum said: Who Owns the Old Helsal III, AKA The Office. It was down at the squady in Kirrabilly for a while. Click to expand...

• Jul 10, 2007

I think Dr Helsal still owns III, living in Tas now. Helsal 4 is coming from somewhere in the northern hemisphere, some stories about it in the RYCT mag recently.  

Bill E Goat

Helsal III aka the office is still sitting in Kirribilli Helsal IV is a French cruiser they bought last year and did the Hobart Race in it Amazing Helsal II was a radical ULDB in its day  

The name's the same as one of my partners. Not him though....  

Bill E Goat said: Helsal III aka the office is still sitting in KirribilliHelsal IV is a French cruiser they bought last year and did the Hobart Race in it Amazing Helsal II was a radical ULDB in its day Click to expand...

spirit28 said: Helsal III bought back by the original owner & son to join Helsal IV as charter boats here in Tas about two months ago. H III needs heaps of work to bring into commercial survey - must have got it real cheeeep..... Click to expand...

• Jul 11, 2007

I hear they are planning to race both III and IV on the Derwent this season - watch your insurance premiums go through the roof.  

MarchHare said: I hear they are planning to race both III and IV on the Derwent this season - watch your insurance premiums go through the roof. Click to expand...

Sparky said: Confirmed that they say they plan to race them both on the Derwent. I don't have any personal experience with them. Seem like decent enough guys. Do I need to install some hull armour? Click to expand...

DAVO said: As I remember Helsal II had a stint up here on Lake Macquarie many moons ago under charter by Fred Williams. I could be wrong.The floating footpath? Click to expand...

havefungetgundrinkrum said: Helsal 1 was the floating footpath. Held the record to hobart for a while. Another Briilliant Butterworth on the crew. Click to expand...

• Jul 12, 2007

DAVO said: Ah yes.Ferro construction. Click to expand...

transit said: When I was a kid in Melb Dad took us to see Helsal 1 after it won the Hobart (back in the days when if a boat wanted to race somewhere else then it sailed there). It was the biggest thing this tacker had seen, much bigger than anything else at SYC and the crew had a christmas tree lashed to the top of the rig which could be seen from miles away. Anyway I thought it was known as the Flying, not floating Footpath, and does anyone know where it is now? t Click to expand...

• Thread starter

When I was a kid in Melb Dad took us to see Helsal 1 after it won the Hobart (back in the days when if a boat wanted to race somewhere else then it sailed there). It was the biggest thing this tacker had seen, much bigger than anything else at SYC and the crew had a christmas tree lashed to the top of the rig which could be seen from miles away. Anyway I thought it was known as the Flying, not floating Footpath, and does anyone know where it is now? Click to expand...

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Meet Helsal IV

Helsal IV is our main charter vessel.  The Dynamique 62 was designed by the famous naval architect, Phillipe Briand, and built in France to cruise the world in comfort, safety and style.  She is berthed at King's Pier Marina, right on the Hobart docks; a stone's throw from Salamanca Place and all the best hotels in town. The 62 foot luxury cutter is classified as a ‘cruiser racer’; that means you get the thrill of sailing to your destination on a big, fast ocean racing yacht … and then retire below deck to luxury comfort, fabulous food and drink.

On the outside she’s a serious ocean racing yacht with several Sydney to Hobart races under her belt.  On the inside she’s a luxury cruiser; all leather and teak with spacious cabins and a large saloon and dining area with 7 foot headroom.

Helsal IV is licensed to carry up to 20 passengers on day trips and 6 overnight.  She has two large double bed cabins and a double bunk cabin for passengers, all with ample cupboard space. There are three heads (bathrooms), all of which can be accessed directly from the double bed cabins.

On those rare occasions when the wind fails us, Helsal IV is powered by a 150 horsepower 6 cylinder diesel motor.  She has a separate generator that provides 240 volt power for overnight charters.  When needed, both engines purr along quietly in the sound proofed engine room.

Magic Miles is Helsal IV's sister ship ... another magnificent Dynamique 62 from France.  Magic Miles is berthed next to Helsal IV in King's Pier  Marina.  She is fitted out in a similar way to her sister and has the same level of survey.  The sisters get a little excited when they come together for Match Races.  Have a look at this option in the Corporate section.

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

Helsal 3 is an iconic ocean racing yacht which has been part of the Australian scene for over 30 years. The yacht was designed by Joe Adams, it has undergone a number of recent upgrades to the keel, rudder and recently had a new mast boom and rigging fitted with increase in sail area. 

Helsal 3 has a strong training program and culture to promote safe and successful sailing. Helsal 3 has raced in multiple Rolex Sydney Hobart races and achieved podium positions in the last four races in PHS and aspires to a competitive 2019 race. 

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Official rolex sydney hobart merchandise.

Shop the official clothing range of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in person at the Club in New South Head Road, Darling Point or online below.  

From casual to technical clothing, there is something for all occasions. Be quick as stock is limited!