Paul Whiting: Tribute to top designer - Ponsonby Cruising Club - Thursday May 15
by Whiting Family 6 May 11:05 AEST
Magic Bus - the 1976 World Quarter Ton champion - sailing in the Hauraki Gulf © Auckland Star
A Paul Whiting Tribute is being held at the Ponsonby Cruising Club on Thursday May 15 2025. The Whiting designed and built "Taranui 3" (the plug for the Whiting 47) and the mighty "Magic Bus" will be on display right outside the club.
Viewing of boats and design plans from 5pm. There will be a tribute to this remarkable young New Zealander at 7.00pm upstairs at the Ponsonby Cruising Club. Come and enjoy our excellent dinner menu and full bar facilities.
Kevin Lidgard will introduce Penny Whiting MBE, Tony Whiting and Grant Whiting.
The bar and kitchen will be open from 4.30pm. Admission is free.
Paul Whiting designed the "Reactor" when he was just fourteen years old. His designs included Magic Bus, which in 1976 won the World Quarter Ton Cup in Corpus Christi, Texas. His loss at sea on the way home from the Sydney to Hobart was a huge loss for his family and friends plus the NZ sailing community
Paul's contribution to the NZ and world sailing community was immense - seen below with fellow NZ designers (Ron Holland, Laurie Davison and Bruce Farr). He was referred to as the genius of the International Offshore Rule and with fellow kiwi designers revolutionised the world of IOR
Paul Whiting (1952–1980) was a pioneering New Zealand yacht designer renowned for his innovative contributions to offshore racing yacht design during the 1970s and early 1980s. He emerged as a leading figure in the International Offshore Rule (IOR) scene, following in the footsteps of Bruce Farr by challenging traditional design norms with lighter, faster, and more radical hull forms.
Whiting's passion for sailing and design was nurtured from a young age, growing up in a family deeply immersed in boating culture . At just 14 years old, he designed his first yacht, the Reactor 25, which became a commercial success with 70 boats sold. This design marked the beginning of his reputation for creating high-performance, lightweight boats.
Notable Designs
Throughout his career, Whiting produced several influential yachts that left a lasting impact on competitive sailing:
- Reactor 25 (1968): His debut design, notable for its performance and popularity.
- 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 and Whiting 36: Further examples of his commitment to advancing yacht design.
His designs were celebrated for their speed, agility, and departure from conventional offshore racing norms .
In 1980, Whiting embarked on a return voyage to New Zealand aboard his yacht Smackwater Jack after participating in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Tragically, the vessel and its crew vanished without a trace. Despite extensive search efforts, no immediate evidence was found.
Paul Whiting's visionary designs and fearless innovation significantly influenced the evolution of offshore racing yachts. His work continues to inspire yacht designers and sailors worldwide, cementing his status as a seminal figure in sailing history.