Description
KOA, meaning “strong warrior” in Hawaiian is a Farr designed, Goetz built, IRC optimised TP52. KOA has been continually updated, and maintained to the highest standard, keeping her in top race ready condition. No expense has been spared on upkeep, rigging, sails, equipment and safety features. The boat comes complete with full Cat 1 offshore safety equipment.
Built by Goetz Custom Boats (RI, USA) in 2004, to compete in both the US and European TP52 circuits. The design brief requested Farr yacht design to create the best TP52 to compete in a broad mix of venues including both inshore and offshore races. Originally named Sjambok, KOA hit the water in late 2004 and won both the TP52 Winter Regatta and the Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach Race. Her success continued as ‘Lucky’ winning IRC Overall in the 2010 Rolex Middle Sea Race, also winning IRC overall in the 2013 Vietnam Race as well as 2nd IRC overall and 2nd on the water in the 2013 Rolex China Sea Race. Since arriving in Australia she has continued her success and currently holds the record for the Flinders Island Race.
The boat has been continually updated and professionally maintained to keep her competitive at the highest level. In 2013 the yacht was overhauled by Nelson Marek and optimised to perform under IRC. Work included a new bulb and rudder, new carbon bowsprit, square top mains and associated runner configuration to Farr specifications. New carbon rigging with complete Titanium fittings, along with an offshore carbon boom (with 2 reef locks) and a reinforced keel box. In preparation for the 2013 Transpac race the boat was completely stripped, lightened, water proofed, long boarded and re-painted inside and out.
On arriving in Australia in late 2015 the yacht was again completely stripped and overhauled. In 2017 an enlarged carbon front hatch was fitted, in 2018 the decks were repainted, carbon rails / hand holds have been fitted below for safety, all through skin fittings have been replaced and the engine was overhauled by Minards (Newcastle). All of the electronics were replaced, including new GPS, B&G 5000 processor and Garmin displays late in 2018. In April 2019 the boat was anti-fouled and the engine and leg serviced. Most recently a full program of work was completed in December 2019 to prepare the boat for the 2019 Sydney to Hobart race. This included the removal of the keel with bolts dye tested and the keel re-fitted, the removal of the rudder with bearings assessed, serviced and re-fitted, the insertion of an additional ring frame in the bow area to strengthen the bow (net 4kg weight lift), the engine was removed and serviced with new starter motor, fuel pump and 3 new batteries. The sail drive was completely rebuilt with new cogs and bearings. The rig was removed and inspected with dye testing of the various fittings, sheaves / locks serviced etc. The hydraulic ram was serviced. The boat has near new, dedicated offshore sheets, halyards and running gear.
In 2022 several more investments have been made including: New rod forestay; New PBO runners; New G foil; New Doyle J1; Norths Code Zero; Complete rig inspection; New anti-foul; Keel and rudder inspection and maintenance; Water maker installed; plus all the usual running maintenance and standard replacements of ropes, blocks etc..