KZ1 (yacht)
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File:KZ1 1.jpg
KZ1 outside the maritime museum in Auckland
The KZ1 yacht was the 1988 America's Cup challenger from New Zealand.
KZ1, designed by Bruce Farr, 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 American skipper Dennis Conner to build a catamaran Stars & Stripes (US-1). Conner won the challenge, but most of the battle was fought in court. The KZ1 is now on display near the National Maritime Museum in downtown Auckland.
Specifications
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): 1,600 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
Comparison of 87–90ft America's Cup contenders:
| Year | LOA | LWL | Sail Area | Mast height | Displacement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliance | 1903 | 43.89 m (144.0 ft) | 27.43 m (90.0 ft) | 1,501 m2 (16,156.6 sq ft) | 67.05 m (220.0 ft) | 189 tons |
| Ranger | 1937 | 41.15 m (135.0 ft) | 26.51 m (87.0 ft) | 701 m2 (7,545.5 sq ft) | 46.98 m (154.1 ft) | 166 tons |
| KZ1 | 1988 | 36.57 m (120.0 ft) | 27.43 m (90.0 ft) | 627 m2 (6,749 sq ft) | 46.78 m (153.5 ft) | 39 tons |
| USA-17 | 2010 | 34.5 m (113 ft) | 27.43 m (90.0 ft) | 1,270 m2 (13,670.2 sq ft) | 68 m (223 ft) | 18 tons |
