The Yachts

King Billy

King Billy

 

Phil Bennett skippered King Billy to 75th overall in the 75th race in 2019.  Built from King Billy Pine by Sailors Bay Boatshed (now known as Northside Shipwrights) in Northbridge, the aptly named boat was designed by Australian John King.  Bennett’s other Hobarts with King Billy were the 50th in 1994 when she placed fourth in Division F, and in 1995 finished 50th overall.  Along with the bulk of the fleet, he retired from the 1998 race.  The two returned for the 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart and placed an excellent 14th and second in the Corinthian division.  They have also contested four Lord Howe Island and 10 Pittwater Coffs races and has won the Gascoigne Cup twice.

 

Competitor Details

Yacht Name King Billy
Sail Number 4966
Owner Phil Bennett
Skipper Phil Bennett (7)
Crew Bill Wright (18), Chris McCormack (1), Michael Scott, Joshua Thomson, Simon Estella (2), Manny Scott, Deborah Dalziel (2)
State NSW
Club Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Type John King / Custom
Designer John King (Aus)
Builder Sailors Bay Boatshed
LOA 11.5
Beam 3.8
Draft 2.1