| Launched | 1973 (date of contract July 72) |
| Owner | Bryan Clague |
| Purchased | June 2025 |
| Contact | 0401447554 |
| Configuration | Single Spreader Short Rig Central Volvo MD2030 |
| Colour | White Hull, Sky Blue Coachroof |
| Berthed | Paynesville, Vic |
| Sail Number | M678 |
| Australian Registration | 856333 |
| State Registration | M678 |
| Call Sign | AXA094 |
| Builder | Swarbricks/Halvorsens |
| Hull Number | 13 |
| Fit Out | by Halvorsens |
| Previous Owners | Bryan Clague (1992 – 2012), Greg Mconville (sail no M678, berthed at Yaringa, Mornington Vic, to July 2015), Paul Kenna & Joanne Law (sail no R678, berthed at RYCV Williamstown, Vic, to June 2025) |
| Previous Names | Nil |
The Yacht’s Story
Misty was built by Swarbricks in late 1972 and the shell shipped over to Sydney where she was fitted out by Trevor Gowland who worked for Halvorsen’s shipyard. The Swarbicks records show Gowland, Trevor (Sydney agent) as the original buyer. Col Barling (Morning Magic) states Misty has a plaque on the bulkhead stating she was fitted out by Halvorsen’s in 1973, which confirms she is hull no 13.
From Bryan Clague, June 2025:
I have bought back the SS34 MISTY II , having previously owned her from 1992 to 2012.
I originally purchased her in 1992 ( as Misty ) and raced and cruised her extensively , selling her in 2009. We had to get AMSA registration in 1999 to do the ill-fated Coffs to Fiji race thus the “ II “ had to be added as there was another boat called Misty somewhere.
During that time we raced her out of Mornington YC and did lots of the ORCV races and a couple of Sydney to Hobarts [1st place IMS div F 1998 ], and many Westcoasters to Hobart, cruised to New Guinea, etc. selling her in 2009. We had to get AMSA registration in 1999 to do the Illfated Coffs to Fiji race thus the “ II “ had to be added as there was another boat called Misty somewhere.
I have just sold my Adams 40 and so now my love affair with Misty continues- a wonderful yacht.
From Bryan Clague, Nov 2022:
I’ve had an Adams 40 for the last 12 years and cruised widely but having lost my favorite crew a couple of years ago it was time for a downsize to singlehand easier.
When I found Misty II was “ available I jumped in as some might say it’s strange loving a boat ,but this particular boat taught me so much about boats , sailing, racing, people, cruising, etc.
Weather it was racing;
2nd place 1994 Syd/Hobart div H IMS -only beaten by the hot rodded Shanandoh( now Azura)
1st place 1998 Syd/Hobart div F IMS. We stayed out hove to for 18 hours while the storm raged then continued on with no damage to boat or crew. I’m convinced not many modern boats could take this treatment.
2002 Three Peaks race-1st cruising divn. – some of the best fun we had with her.
You may see why I had to buy her back.
From previous owner Paul Kenna, Nov 2016:
Joanne and I have been working on Misty to bring her back to her former standards. She was originally set up as a race boat and her creature comforts were a little Spartan. Our main target is to get her up to Cat 2 so we can participate in offshore races, probably double handed. We are at Cat 3 presently and have all the gear for Cat 1 or 2 including a new Icon HF radio, AIS, and life raft – just need to fit the radio etc. Other big change will be to the helm – the wheel steering locks the helmsman away from the ropes and makes it difficult to sail short handed. We are looking to move back to tiller steering later this season and this will mean a change in traveller location, and give us a much bigger and more useable cockpit area.
Photos
Photo: Col Barling (Morning Magic)
Visited Misty at Yarringa yesterday and I am considering making an offer to purchase.
Can confirm the plaque stating that she was fitted out by Halversens on the Hawksbury
Doing a history search Misty has done 2 x Sydney to Hobarts
1994 (2nd in Div H IMS) 224th on line honors of 304 finishers
1998 (1st in Div F IMS) 44th on line honors (Last boat to finish 0f approx 103 starters in this tragic race.
Having done the last two S2H (2013 is said to be the toughest since 1998) I can say that as a bow/mast man I was impressed that even though she is tired at the moment she had a feeling of security as I wandered about her in her pen with hand holds that I would have killed for in my regular boat and a suprisingly modern mast and foredeck layout.
Interesting internal layout with stove and bench to starboard with sink and icebox to port with a fold down chart table over the icebox.
Twin pipecot berths under the cockpit (I’ll never get in another of these since I failed to sail a Farr 37 delivery Hobart to Sydney mid winter last year – I think its still in Hobart)
Centre engine – nice double divan with no table another berth to starboard
Toilet without shower and large “pantry” cupboard to starboard. Vberth with a view of the chain locker.
With her history one wouldnt dare rename her for vanity purpose.
Paul
Thanks Paul,
She does have a great history, please let me know if you buy her and I’ll update your web page for you. If you buy an S&S 34 you will always have the support of an active Association and many fellow owners to advise and help you. The boats are now relatively old but they were very well built, are strong and there are few major issues, it is mainly replacing old gear and some wear and tear etc.
Regards, Simon
I believe this boat was previously owned by my late grandfather Ron McDonald and then later owned by my Father Ross McDonald and kept at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Newport in Sydney
Hi there, I just sailed my s&s34 from Exmouth to Darwin with Geoff Coker crewing. Geoff crewed on Misty in the 1998 Sydney- Hobart race. He had plenty of praise for Misty.