Paul Whiting

Paul Whiting was a highly influential New Zealand yacht designer during the 1970s and early 1980s.^[1]

He followed Bruce Farr in challenging accepted notions of offshore racing yacht design.^[2]

Whiting was lost at sea in 1980 on his return from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in Smackwater Jack. A search failed to find any trace of the yacht or its crew. A 2008 newspaper report stated that part of the cockpit was found at Ripiro Beach on the west coast of the North Island.^[3]

A tribute to Paul Whiting was held at the Ponsonby Cruising Club Auckland in May 2025 with Kevin Lidgard introducing Penny Whiting MBE.^[4], Tony Whiting and Grant Whiting. ^[5]

Notable Designs

Reactor 25 (1968): His debut design, notable for its performance and popularity. ^[6]

Magic Bus (1977): A Quarter-Tonner that achieved international acclaim including winning the world championship in Corpus Christi (Texas).

Candu II and Howzat: Half-tonners that showcased Whiting's innovative approach to design.

Newspaper Taxi: A centerboarder that dominated the 1977 South Pacific Half Ton Cup.

Whiting 29: Over 50 Whiting 29 yachts were produced between 1979 and 1990. ^[7]