KZ1 'Big Boat' - 1988 Americas Cup Yacht

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 Auckland.