MADMANS WOODYARD - BOAT HISTORY

Mike purchased Madmans Woodyard with an intent to participate in measurement rating (IOR) racing and after researching successful interstate boats (in Qld).

In one Melbourne - Devonport race in the mid 1980's, Mike and Mark Welsh remembers finishing the race at night up the Mersey River in very light, drifting conditions. After being advised by a local on-water official that they had crossed the finish line, the crew dropped the sails and congratulated themselves on what the believed to be a successful result. In the outflowing river, the boat drifted back across the finish line as the sails were lowered and then they motored towards the Mersey Yacht Club. Mike was later informed that they were scored DNF due to motoring across the finish line. Despite a protest, calling the on-water personnel as witnesses, with much disappointment the DNF result was upheld.

Mike sold Madmans Woodward, updating to a newer version of the same design (Highway Patrol). The new owner then participated in the Sydney-Hobart, however lost their mast late in the race. They remain one of the very few boats to have finished the Sydney-Hobart under jury-rig.