Mandrake is a Kel Steinman designed masthead sloop launched in September this year. Steinman says she is light for an IOR boat at 10,000 kg and that, in spite of rating 2 ft lower than Margaret Rintoul III, her hull speed will be 0.25 kt faster. Owner Paul Smith has competed in previous Hobarts aboard his previous boats called Dynamite. This time he has gone for a larger masthead design which will make the crew wish Lothar was aboard to grind the winches. Her result will be watched with interest.