1997 Volvo 60 for sale in Queensland

A rare opportunity to acquire a legendary offshore racer with proven commercial potential.

Merit is a Volvo Ocean 60 in commercial survey, equipped with Category 1 safety gear, water ballast system, and Australian Ship Registration. Designed for serious offshore performance, her water ballast provides added power and stability on long ocean legs—perfect for racing or fast cruising.

Since 2015, the current owners have successfully operated Merit in the Whitsundays, offering day sails, corporate charters, and race experiences—including a notable appearance in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Whether you're looking to campaign a capable offshore racer or run a commercial venture, Merit offers the pedigree, performance, and flexibility to deliver—and pay her own way.

This Volvo 60 round-the-world racing yacht has contested many offshore races since coming to Australia, sailing under various names, including Telcoinabox Merit, News Corp, Line 7 and Stratco Racing. Merit set a record for the 408 NM Gosford to Lord Howe Island Race in 2002 and also won the PHS division in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 2008. In 2023 Merit competed in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with a novice crew who were seeking the race experience, placing 5th in PHS-Division 1.

Merit has a National Certificate of Survey as a Class 1D passenger vessel with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

In 2018 Merit was given a complete rebuild with significant investment. In 2023 over $100,000 was spent on upgrades including new stainless-steel pushpit and pulpit, new stanchions, fully rebuilt hydraulic rams for backstay, vang and outhaul, new Doyle Stratis racing main sail, new Karver headsail reefing furler, new wire forestay, new Dyneema main halyard and mainsheet, new Lewmar Ocean hatches, new hatch seals, new Victron Multiplus inverter/charger, new hot water maker, new inverter microwave oven, new 400-amp hour battery bank, new HF backstay aerial, new Iridium-Go sat-phone, new Predict Wind Data Hub, new antifoul, new 5-year AMSA commercial survey, Australian Sailing keel and rudder inspection, two new 12-person life rafts, new hydrostatic release mechanisms, new float-free EPIRB hydrostatic release, Australian Sailing Category 1 safety certificate, new jackstays, new crew personal flotation devices and safety tethers, new anchor winch solenoid motor and gear, new alternator belts, engine service, and ballast tank pump rebuild.