Lion New Zealand

Sir Peter Blake had a very specific idea of the boat that he wanted to build for the 1985/86 Whitbread Around the World Race.  After discussions with a number of top New Zealand yacht designers the design was awarded to New Zealander Ron Holland, based in Ireland. 

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A boat built to win

For the 1985/86 Whitbread Around the World Race, Sir Peter Blake had a clear vision - a yacht that could handle anything the ocean threw at it.

He turned to renowned kiwi designer Ron Holland to bring it to life. The brief was bold:

  • 31 tons - light, strong, and seaworthy

  • Swift upwind and even faster on the reach

  • Stable and responsive downwind under spinnaker

  • Rigged masthead for power and control

  • The result? A yacht born for the world’s toughest seas - and destined to make history.

Born to cross oceans

Launched in 1984, Lion New Zealand was one of the finest IOR (International Ocean Racing) maxi sloops of her time - bold, ambitious, and built to endure.

Though heavier than planned, she proved her worth with a strong debut in the Sydney to Hobart, then sailed to a proud second-place finish on handicap in the Whitbread Round the World Race.

Lion New Zealand boat specs

Length overall 23.93m 78.6ft 

Draft 3.96m 13ft 

Beam 5.64m 18.6ft 

Main mast 30.48m 100ft 

Sail Area 

Main Sail 138 sqm 

No. 1 Genoa 208 sqm 

No. 1 Spinnaker 452 sqm