Zephyr (Des Townson)
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The Zephyr is a New Zealand one-design 3.6 metre sailing dinghy. It is a national class, administered by the Zephyr Owners' Association. Hull form and sail plans are restricted, to ensure all boats have the same potential speed.
[edit] History
The Zephyr was designed by Auckland designer Des Townson, in 1956. Townson built the first hulls himself (numbers 1 to 233)in plywood, off the same mould. All sails for this series of boats were made by Auckland sailmakers Boyd & McMaster. In fact the original class rules stipulated that sails must be "strictly to a pattern lodged with Boyd and McMaster sailmakers. No alterations permitted" [1] . During the 1970's, two more building jigs were constructed, one in Christchurch and the other in Auckland, and a number of new boats were built [2] . This system remained in use until the advent of cedar glass boats, when a new jig was built,for the production of "250" series hulls.
[edit] References
- ^ "Sea Spray Boat Test", Zephyr Owners' Association, November, 1957.
- ^ "About The Zephyr", Zephyr Owners' Association.
