100+ BOATS, ONE DESIGNER
This unique annual event, held for 20 years, was a tribute to Wrighty’s versatility. Every one of these very different boats evolved from his drawings and these ‘seeworthy’ craft were still sailing in New Zealand and Australian waters.
How did this happen? In 1964, Alan Wright (‘Wrighty’) tutored the art of building wooden boats full-time at Auckland Technical Institute. Basic yacht design was also included in the course. So when one student, realising his tutor was not an expert in this field, asked: “What do you know about this subject? How many boats have you designed?” it “hit an ego
