Piccolo
Piccolo Winner of the 1976 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Country	Australia
Boat Type	Bruce Farr 1104
Sail Number	M46
Club	Lake Macquarie Yacht Club
Rig	36ft
LWL	9.78m, 32.1f
Beam	3.65m, 12f
Draught	1.82m, 6f
Former Owners	John Pickles
Designer (s)	Bruce Farr
Builder(s)	Compass Yachts
Former Crew	Alby Mitchel Dave Powys H Rowe R Bacon Steve Lamb
Email	jghodder@bigpond.net.au

Piccolo

1976 Hobart

1976 Hobart Program

Piccolo from 1976 Sydney to Hobart Program

Program Description: Yet another Bruce Farr One-Ton class yachts produced by Compass Yachts, Piccolo had not even been launched at the time of going to press. She has other sister ships in the race which have the advantage of more preparation and race practice. A big effort will be needed if this yacht is to do well.

Crew: Bob Brenac, Albert Mitchell, Dave Powys, Steve Lamb

1977 CYCA Offshore Program Report

The G.W. Rex Trophy for the navigator on board the overall winner of the '76 Hobart went to Bob Brenac (left). Standing next to him is John Pickles, owner/skipp, and Albert Mitchell, sailing master.

Offshore_February-March-1977.pdf

Hobart 1976 by Tony Cable

(exert) ... Much of the foregoing has been set down to delay coming to a rather embarrassing part of this commentary. As regular readers know, I put my head on the chopping block in the December issue when I picked eight yachts to win. Now it could have been that at this time I would have had to start making a series of excuses, but fortunately there was a modicum of success in these predictions. I don't think I'll try to pick the winner next year, as it was too much for the nerves waiting for Piccolo to beat Rocki, despite the fact that Raggamuffin was looking like the winner for a time. Nothing further will be said on the matter, merely to indicate that the eight yachts selected came out at: Piccolo (I), Ragamuffin (31, Love & War (4), Natelle Two (6), Patrice 111 (71, Matika 111 (23). Rogue D.N.F. and Fair Dinkum D.N.S.

There has been plenty of criticism that the Hobart is a lottery. It is curious that in studying the history of the Race there is plenty of evidence to indicate that this view is a fallacy. Going back as far as 1956 (and possibly earlier) with Solo's win, there has not been one outsider to win the event. Each year the prize has been taken by an up-to-date vessel of her time that fully deserved victory.

What luck there is, and there is no denying that it exists, has always curiously been shared among the better boats and crews. There was no change in this situation in '75.

To repeat a point made in November ". . . assuming moderate plus conditions one has to opt for capable boats in such breezes which also have the experienced crews who can still race them in a blow and not go to bed instead". How many people did go to bed in this Race, rendering it a foregone conclusion that only the experienced crews would do well?

And so it came out in the results. In addition to those already mentioned the Farr, Rockie, almost took the Race. Dynamite (8). Apollo 11 (9), Oueegqueg (1 2), were placed fully up to expectations. Those Cole 43s continue to surprise with their longevity; Bacardi (5), and Ruffian (10) maintained the success of this line. The record of the very small boats in this tough race was very impressive. Chauvinist (1 1). Ghost (1 3) and Mulloka (1 4), all go to show that in such conditions that the 40+ footers do not automatically have the Race to themselves.

As a finale to the Race I was invited to attend the victory celebrations for Piccolo at the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. When a C.Y.C. boat wins the crew bring her home, tie up and disappear. Piccolo was welcomed by a Lake swarming with scores of vessels, a yacht club crammed with hundreds of people, including a Brass Band; there was very comprehensive local media coverage. It was the second time this Club has taken the honour, and I can think of no better place for the trophies to be entrusted.

This was a momentous occasion for all Lake Macquarie sailors when Piccolo and crew returned to the lake after winning the 1976 Sydney to Hobart yacht race. There was all manner of craft waiting at the dropover to welcome these champion sailors back and we were there. That looks like Alby Burgins "Boomerang of Belmont" M2 behind the bowman. Photo thanks to Newcastle Chamber of Commerce.

Young Steven Lamb at the bow