High-Performance Watercraft: The Three-Quarter-Ton Vessel 'Impeccable'
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In the heart of Sydney Harbour, a familiar sight graced the waters until 2014 - the distinctive coloured stripes of the yacht Impeccable. This iconic vessel, commissioned by John Walker in 1981, was a testament to his passion for offshore racing and his indomitable spirit.
Impeccable, designed by the renowned American yacht designer Doug Peterson, was built in Sydney in 1980. Peterson was known for creating highly competitive racing yachts, and Impeccable was no exception. The Three Quarter Tonner yacht participated in 25 Sydney Hobart Races, a testament to its robustness and speed.
John Walker, the boat's original owner, migrated to Australia from Czechoslovakia in 1949. He started his journey in Sydney as an ice skating teacher and later established a successful timber business. His achievements in offshore racing were not limited to Impeccable. He became an accomplished navigator, receiving the Ocean Racing Veteran of the Year award from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on five occasions.
Walker's journey was marked by resilience. He and his wife, Helen, survived Nazi concentration camps during World War II. This background undoubtedly shaped his spirit, driving him to succeed in his new life in Australia.
Impeccable underwent a restoration process in 2022, with Ben Gray, a trained fine furniture maker and lifelong sailor, at the helm. Gray, alongside the Walker's pontoon, worked diligently to bring the yacht back to its former glory. The mast step, which had suffered from rot, was replaced, and the timber seating under all the stanchions was replaced with new plywood.
During the restoration, Doug Brooker, the original builder of Impeccable, was contacted, and technical advice was sought from Ben de Coster of Hood Sails. The replacement keel required a stronger connection between the floors and the keelson. The 1990s replacement mast was in good condition, only requiring some new sleeving close to the deck level.
The restored Impeccable was relaunched in 2022 and retains its mooring off the Walkers' house. With an IRC Rating of 0.959 in 2022, Impeccable continues to be a formidable competitor on the Sydney Harbour racing scene, a testament to Walker's vision and Gray's dedication.
While specific details about Impeccable's sailing achievements and the Doug Peterson-designed yacht are scarce, it is clear that Impeccable and John Walker have left an indelible mark on the history of Australian offshore racing. For those interested in delving deeper into the history and achievements of Impeccable and John Walker, specialized sailing archives, yacht club records in Sydney, or publications dedicated to Doug Peterson designs and historic Australian sailing are excellent resources to explore.
John Walker, known for his accomplishments in offshore racing, was not only a successful navigator but also an avid follower of various sports. On his retirement, he even dedicated a space for a sports bar in his timber business, offering a platform for sailors and sports enthusiasts to gather and share their passion.
The restored Impeccable, with an IRC Rating of 0.959 in 2022, continues to be a formidable competitor on the Sydney Harbour racing scene, reflecting John Walker's ethos of perseverance and sportsmanship.
