Playing the Long Game - Jon Sanders

On 13 March 1988, after 658 days at sea, Jon Sanders returned to Fremantle. Parry Endeavour had sailed continuously over 131,535 kilometres. The vessel was designed by naval architect Phil Curran for Dr Jim Chute. In 1979, under her original name of Challenger, it competed in the Parmelia Yacht Race, from Plymouth to Fremantle. However, for Jon Sanders’ proposed triple circumnavigation, a lot of work had to be done. The voyage was coordinated by Curtin University of Technology's Centre for Marine Science and Technology. Major modifications to the hull were undertaken by boat builder and yachtsman, Des Piesse. Modifications to the rigging were done by veteran yachtsman and sailmaker, Rolly Tasker. The hull was strengthened with additional stiffening that linked the hull, deck and major stress areas. Watertight bulkheads were fitted fore and aft and the existing bulkheads and the rudder were strengthened. A heavier, slightly shorter mast was fitted and deck stepped, which is unusual for an ocean-going yacht but characteristic of almost all Perth based yachts which need to lower their masts to pass under Fremantle’s bridges. Heavier rigging was fitted and every stay was backed up, resulting in twin forestays and three backstays. Extra support posts were fitted under the mast.  The vessel carried 16 sails. Communication and navigation systems were also well backed up (there were six different radios). Finally, Challenger was renamed Parry Endeavour after James Cook's HMB Endeavour, and in honour of Jon Sanders’ major sponsor, Kevin Parry.