KZ1
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The KZ1 yacht was a 1988 America's Cup challenger from New Zealand. Although at the time many criticized the perceived arrogance of the Kiwi challenge, it was also an opportunity to bring the America's Cup back to the grandeur of the J-class yacht era.
KZ1 was skippered by David Barnes along with a crew of 40 from the Mercury Bay Boating Club in Whitianga. The KZ1 was given the nickname of the Big Boat or Big Beauty by financial backer, Sir Michael Fay. Many saw the size and wide deck gave the boat a nick-name of The aircraft carrier.
KZ1 prompted Dennis Conner (the American skipper) to build his infamous catamaran Stars & Stripes (yacht). Conner won the challenge, but most of the battle was fought in court. The KZ1 is now on display near the maritime museum in Auckland.
[edit] Specifications
[edit] General characteristics
- Crew: 30 to 40
- Length (overall): 36.57 m (120 ft)
- Length (waterline): 27.43 m (90 ft)
- Beam: 8.07 m (26 ft 6 in)
- Draft: 6.40 m (21 ft)
- Sail area (upwind): 627 m² (6749 ft²)
- Sail area (downwind): 1600 m² (17,300 ft²)
- Mast height: 46.78 m (153 ft 6 in)
- Displacement: 39 tons
- Hull material: Carbon fiber, Kevlar/Nomex sandwich
- Rating: Free, 90-foot LOA
[edit] Comparison
This table compares the size of KZ1 against some of her most famous large predecessors:
| Name | Year | LOA | LWL | Sail Area | Mast height | Displacement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliance | 1903 | 43.89 m | 27.43 m | 1501 m² | 67.05 m | 189 tons |
| Ranger | 1937 | 41.15 m | 26.51 m | 701 m² | 46.98 m | 166 tons |
| KZ1 | 1988 | 36.57 m | 27.43 m | 627 m² | 46.78 m | 39 tons |
