Townson's Mistral back in production again.

The new Mistral prototype, four orders have already been received. Mistral Owners Association

Mistrals ready for a club race. 20 entered for last year’s Nationals. © Mistral Owners Association

The Mistral is a 12' two person dinghy and is in a similar style to the Zephyr monotype which attracted huge numbers to its National Championships earlier this year.

Des Townson produced some 89 wooden Mistral hulls in cold moulded construction. Then a further twenty or so boats were produced in glass from a plug taken from an original boat.

The Mistral gives a good performance under spinnaker © Mistral Owners Association

Originally based at Tamaki Yacht Club, Mistrals are now found in Hamilton, Manly, Keri Keri and Whitianga. The Mistral is a well balanced, a lively performer, especially under spinnaker, attributes that have seen it become the de-facto youth training boat for Kerikeri High in the North and Wentworth College in Auckland.

The Mistral is easily handled by a number of two crew combinations. © Mistral Owners Association

The Mistral class is now administered by the Mistral Owners' Assn (Inc). Contact details for officers elected at the recent AGM can be found in the latest newsletter. 20 boats competed in last year's National Championships.

Hulls: New Hulls are now available, constructed by Bonito Boats. Contact the MOA for details.

Sails: Doyle Sails (formerly Boyd & McMaster) are the sole sail suppliers.

A refurbished Dart sailing on Hamilton Lake © Mistral Owners Association

Spars: Bay of Islands Spars and Rigging, run by Barry Saunders is the spar supplier. He has been building spars for Mistrals for previous licensees and now on his own account.

Foils: Ron Bull Boats has supplied some promising looking foils.

For the latest newsletter see: www.hyc.org.nz/mistral/navigation/Newsletters/Mistral1.1June2006.pdf

Also have a look at the Dart class another two-handed class, for young sailors, designed by Des Townson. This is a hard chine hull, suitable for home building, and of the same genre as the highly popular Starling class. It has a good upwind and sizzling downwind performance. Maybe it could be updated with an asymetric spinnaker? See: www.hyc.org.nz/mistral/navigation/Dart/Dart.html

The original Dart design and specification from 1961. A class that was well ahead of its time. © Mistral Owners Association