The little boat that stayed behind to go to the Festival
More than 300 Zephyr class dinghies were built, and many of them are still sailing - owned by a wide range of people from teenagers through to gold card holders. On the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival Weekend, the class will celebrate its 70th birthday with a championship regatta - but one boat will stay behind to be on display in the Viaduct Events Centre at the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival.
There may never be a better example of how a classic boat has been kept alive by the people that love sailing them. The Zephyr class, a single handed one-design 3.35m centreboard yacht first designed in 1956 by the legendary Des Townson, was never intended to become an enduring national favourite—but that is exactly what happened.
Built as a simple, affordable 3.35-metre singlehanded dinghy, the Zephyr has truly found its place among sailors who valued its balance, beauty, and performance.
For nearly seventy years, the class has thrived not because of commercial pressure or professional racing circuits, but through the passion of its sailors. Zephyr owners have worked to refurbish old hulls, build new ones, and support class rules that keep the boats true to their original spirit. The community is as central to the Zephyr’s survival as the design itself: annual regattas, active regional fleets, and a strong tradition of mentoring new sailors have created a culture where the boats are cherished, upgraded, and passed between generations.
Today, Zephyrs attract sailors of all ages who appreciate the blend of craftsmanship and competitiveness the class offers. Their longevity is a testament to what happens when a timeless design meets a dedicated community of people that love and care for them.
55 keen sail sailors from Central Otago to the Far North are expected to compete in the Zephyr 70th National’s hosted by the Howick Sailing Club on festival weekend - Auckland 12th to 15th March 2026.
As for the boat that will be proudly displayed at the festival? It’s Number 24 Isla Lei - first owned by David Cook and recently purchased by his son Ian Cook of Yachting Developments. Here she is pictured on launch day. Isn’t she beautiful.
A to-scale model of a Zephyr dinghy on display at the 2024 Auckland Wooden Boat Festival. The Zephyr is considered one of the prettiest dinghy classes.