Paul Whiting
New Zealand designer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]