The WA offshore fleet will be getting a new addition this year, with Beneteau 34.7 'Fairy Tern' owners Laurie and Madeleine stepping things up to a new Archambault A40RC, currently in construction and pictured above. 'Aardvark' - the chosen name of the new vessel - should be ready to hit the new WA offshore season for the George Law opener on September 18, which will kick start a busy 18 months for the former terns, highlighted by a trip down to Rockingham for the 2010 Cockburn Sound Regatta and an east coast campaign including the tropical regattas and the infamous Rolex Sydney Hobart.

This addition will bolster the already bustling 36-40 foot range in the offshore fleet, with the proven IRC performer sure to create a few headaches in what should be one of the toughest contested Siska Trophy championships since 2009/10.

For more information about the A40RC and Aardvark, head to www.aardvarkyachting.net.au