This former 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 and Line 7. Merit set a record for the then 408 nm Gosford to Lord Howe Island Race in 2002 (the race distance has since been extended slightly). The crew heading down to Hobart this year are the victorious crew from the 2008 race when Merit placed first in her division and first overall in PHS, after coming to the aid and rescuing crew members Georgia.