CLASSIC YACHT ROWDY WRAPS A SUCCESSFUL 2017 SEASON

The one-hundred-year-old classic yacht Rowdy has completed another successful Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge around the Mediterranean. The season for Rowdy included wins at two of the most prestigious events on the Med - the Cannes Regates Royales and Les Voiles de St Tropez. She was outfit with a new North Sails inventory 2 years ago. After a successful season, we spoke to owner Donna Dyer about her 2017 racing experience. North Sails: Every classic yacht has a story, tell us about Rowdy’s origins. Donna Dyer: Rowdy is one of only a few NY 40s that has kept her original name. Howard and I purchased the boat in 2013 after a long history of success on the water. We have changed only a few things, including putting some of the original features back. Rowdy is a NY 40 Herreshoff Design, built in 1916 in New York. Holland Duell placed his order to buy the boat on 14 October 1915, took possession the following May and immediately started racing. He won many regattas during 25 years of ownership; his success was followed by many and was often covered in popular publications such as The New York Times. Following this initial success, sadly Rowdy fell on hard times before being purchased by Christopher Madsen (1928-2004), who completely restored her, and in 2006 Graham Walker assumed ownership of Rowdy. He raced her in the Mediterranean where they won many regattas, including multiple victories at the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge. NS: Rowdy was outfit with new sails two seasons ago, can you share your experience working with the sails and how they may have contributed to your success? DD: Two years ago we changed to North Sails, this also coincides with our last two years of success. The sails are well designed and give us a winning edge. Our Favourite Regatta this Season was Cannes Regates Royales. We have won numerous regattas over the four years but never Cannes until this year, which was a fantastic achievement!

"The best part about working with North Sails is we get wonderful support both at regattas and with sail design. We have only met fun, skilled, committed individuals who have added great value to our team and now are good friends."

With the continuity of our great team, we hope to succeed next year and win many regattas and the overall Panerai. Congratulations to Donna and the team onboard Rowdy on a successful season! We look forward to watching your performance on-the-water next year. Learn more about Classic Yacht sails by North here, or get in touch with your local team