Windward Passage (Sydney 1977)

Windward Passage on a reaching leg during the 1977 Southern Cross Cup series (photo Guy Gurney)

Following on from my recent article about Windward Passage, renowned photographer Guy Gurney has published some great close-up images of this famous Maxi, while she was racing as part of the US team in the 1977 Southern Cross Cup series, and in her original ketch configuration. She had teamed up for this series with Phantom as one of the two 2-boat US teams (Kialoa III and Bravura forming the other team). 

Windward Passage on a reaching leg during the 1977 Southern Cross Cup series (photo Guy Gurney)

The series was notable for a major collision between Windward Passage and Kialoa III in the first race of the regatta, with Windward Passage hitting Kialoa III on her port quarter during a leeward mark rounding, resulting in a large hole in Kialoa III’s hull above the waterline and significant deck damage, caused by a combination of the bow and the sawing action of Windward Passage’s heavy wire bobstay. This also put Windward Passage at serious risk of losing her main mast as the bowsprit and headstay were no longer supported. Kialoa III protested Windward Passage (and won), but was unable to race again until the Sydney-Hobart finale. Windward Passage had to sit out the second race, and finished 20th in the third race.

Windward Passage on a reaching leg during the 1977 Southern Cross Cup series (photo Guy Gurney)

Above and below, Windward Passage shows her power under spinnaker and blooper as she slides past the photographer (photo Guy Gurney)