The 2020 Auckland Zephyr Championship at French Bay was notable for the launching of the first full GRP Zephyr. Designed in 1956, the class remains strong – major regattas continue to attract scores of entrants.

With demand for new boats growing, a deck plug and moulds were built during Covid lockdown in a joint project between the Zephyr Owners Association and Silverdale’s Mackay Boats. The resulting seven-mould package has enabled the production of a finely-detailed hull, showcasing the skill and precision of boatbuilder Owen Mackay.

The first production run of four boats has been pre-sold and the class is confident of a second 64 years of existence.