Bendigedig—the name itself says it all. It’s Welsh for “brilliant” or “fantastic,” a fitting title for a boat with a storied past and a promising future.
The co-skippers, Neil McKinley and Peter Garrett, both doctors and long-time work colleagues, had shared many adventures together, sailing and hiking. “We’d talked about doing the race some fifteen years ago” added Peter “It’s a decent chunk of sailing—achievable but challenging enough to be a real-life experience” he added.
Initially, Peter and Neil added their names to the Melbourne Osaka Cup expressions of interest and had planned to compete on Neil’s existing boat, an OVNI 435. “We soon realised that the modifications required on the aluminium hull and construction would not meet the stringent requirements of the Notice of Race and category 1+ requirements,” they said.
As two full-time doctors who were juggling careers and a fast-approaching deadline, “we came across the S&S 34 yacht ‘Bendigedig’ in Hobart, which required minimal modifications,” explained Peter.
The yacht’s journey began with its previous owner, Welshman Dafydd Hughes, who sailed the yacht from Spain to Hobart in the 2023 Global Solo Challenge.
“Over the course of two to three years, Dafydd completely refitted it—new rigging, sails, engine, electrical systems, waterproofing, and bulkheads. Having sailed into Hobart for some repairs, Dafydd then decided he’d ‘done enough’ of the Southern Ocean and listed Bendigedig for sale.” recounted Peter.
With just two degrees of separation, Peter and Neil were introduced to Bendigedig through renowned sailor and yacht broker Jo Breen, who had previously competed in the 2018 Melbourne Osaka Cup aboard the S&S 34, Morning Star.
Being set up for solo sailing, the duo has completed some internal modifications to Bendigedig, making the boat more livable for two, re-instating a bunk and changing the hanked jib to a furling genoa. Peter added, “Technically, it sailed well. We had some water coming through the chain plates, which we will need to address. We will need to experiment with some more food systems as cooking facilities are currently rudimentary, and evaluate the charging systems.”
Our plan is to “master cooking flatbread on a gimbal, and we will carry a mixture of foods, dried, long life, pre-prepared and tinned foods. We will make them up into weekly ration packs to ensure they stay usable and go the distance.” added Neil.
Sailing ‘Bendigedig’ from Hobart to Melbourne and dealing with strong shifting winds- SE, NE and then W winds, which built to gale force, the pair found themselves hove-to just off Bicheno in 33 knots.
“We spoke to Tas Maritime and decided to tuck in behind Long Point,” Neil recalled. “We knew it would be another 12 hours before we could continue”. Despite the challenging conditions, a reasonable swell and 30-knot winds”, Peter and Neil were impressed by the boat’s performance. “Even in those conditions, it felt safe and bulletproof. It was a remarkable boat,” they both added.
As the duo continue their preparation and get to know the boat more. Peter added, “It had pedigree, and it was an exciting opportunity, and we are sure Dafydd will be pleased to know that the significant work he put into the boat is now leading it onto another adventure.”
It was a chance to create new memories and embrace the adventure of a lifetime aboard Bendigedig—a boat as brilliant as the journey ahead.
PS It’s a small boat with a long name – how do we say the boat’s name? Ben-dig-e-dig…. but say it fast now!