Remarkable Watercraft: The Three-Quarter Tonner Vessel Named 'Impeccable'
In the world of competitive sailing, the Three Quarter Tonner class was a popular choice for offshore racing during the 1970s and 1980s. These boats, approximately 27-30 feet in length, were designed for grand prix racing circuits, offering a balance of speed and handling. One such boat, the Impeccable, was built in Sydney in 1980 and owned by John Walker.
However, unlike many other boats of its time, the history of Impeccable remains somewhat elusive. Despite extensive searches, no detailed historical records or notable achievements for this yacht can be found in current searchable sources.
John Walker, the original owner of Impeccable, migrated to Australia from Czechoslovakia in 1949 and went on to establish a successful timber business. His passion for sailing led him to commission Doug Peterson to design a competitive yacht for offshore racing under the IOR rule at the age of 60.
The Impeccable participated in 25 Sydney Hobart Races, a testament to Walker's dedication to the sport. The boat faced its fair share of challenges during its lifetime, with rot being discovered in the transom during a restoration in the late 2010s. The mast step, keel, and various other parts of the boat also required replacement or repair.
Throughout the restoration process, several key figures from the boat's past were found and offered technical advice. Doug Brooker, the original builder of Impeccable, and John Denton, the mast builder and rigger, were among those who lent their expertise. Ben de Coster of Hood Sails was also consulted for advice on the restoration of the boat's sails.
Despite the challenges, the restored Impeccable was relaunched in 2022 and retains its mooring off the Walkers' house. The boat's home office still holds a plethora of trophies won with Impeccable over three decades of offshore and club racing.
While the specific achievements of Impeccable in the Three Quarter Tonner class remain undocumented, it is likely that the boat was involved in regional and possibly international offshore racing during its active years. For a more comprehensive understanding of Impeccable's history and achievements, consulting Australian yacht club archives, race result databases from the 1980s, or contacting vintage yacht racing associations in Sydney may be necessary.
