Centurian is a well fitted S&S 39, fitted out for both racing and comfortable cruising. The hull is based on the Sparkman & Stephens designed, then One Ton rating Pilgrim, subsequently modified by Bowman Yachts, WA, as a Superstar 339. Owner/skipper Ian Twentyman has sailed extensively offshore out of Melbourne. The best previous result by this yacht was 10th in the IOR division of the 1986 Melbourne to Hobart.