Kiwi Magic 12 KZ 7

Kiwi Magic and the Rise of a Nation’s Challenge

The First Kiwi America's Cup Campaign

In 1986, New Zealand stepped into the America’s Cup arena with bold ambition, cutting-edge technology, and national pride. Backed by a $15 million campaign led by Sir Michael Fay, a visionary merchant banker, the New Zealand Challenge marked the country's first serious foray into the sport's most prestigious event.

To maximize performance and design innovation, Fay brought together New Zealand’s top three yacht designers—including Laurie Davidson—creating a dream team for what would become a legendary campaign under the International Third Rule.

Design Innovation: The “Plastic Fantastics”

The campaign began with extensive testing:

  • Initial tank testing used models based on Victory '83 and Australia II (rumored to have acquired lines of the latter).

  • Additional five hull designs were created and tested at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton.

  • Model #5 was selected for its strong performance in heavy weather, leading to the construction of KZ-3 and KZ-5—New Zealand’s first two 12mRs.

These yachts made history as the first ever 12 Metres built with fiberglass composite hulls, earning them the nickname “Plastic Fantastics.” Laurie Davidson estimated their stiffness to be 20 times greater than aluminum, especially critical in the mast region where hull flex had always posed a challenge.

The campaign’s ultimate boat, KZ-7, was developed through further refinements and testing. She was:

  • Slightly longer than KZ-3 and KZ-5

  • Designed with a dual-cockpit layout

  • Given a more pronounced sheerline

  • Fitted with a heavily optimized keel, the result of exhaustive wind tunnel testing

Kiwi Magic: KZ-7 in Competition

Nicknamed “Kiwi Magic,” KZ-7 quickly made her mark. Representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, she dominated early rounds of the 1987 Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Trials), skippered by Chris Dickson.

In the final round, however, she was narrowly defeated 4–1 by Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes '87, which went on to win the 26th America's Cup against Kookaburra III.

Despite the loss, KZ-7 had become a symbol of New Zealand’s arrival on the global sailing stage—and the beginning of an enduring legacy.

Racing Success and Global Campaigns

Following the 1987 campaign, Sir Michael Fay retained ownership of KZ-7 until 2002. During that time, she continued to compete internationally:

  • 1994: Wins the Sesquicentennial Regatta at the New York Yacht Club

  • 1998–2000: Leased to Patrizio Bertelli, racing successfully in the Mediterranean

    • 1998: Wins the Rolex Cup in Saint-Tropez

    • 1999: Wins the 6th Twelve Metre World Championship (Saint-Tropez)

    • 2000: Second place in the Saint-Tropez Cup

Ownership Timeline

  • 1986–2002: Sir Michael Fay | Auckland, New Zealand

  • 2003–2012: America³ Foundation (William I. Koch) | Newport, RI, USA

  • 2012–2015: US Merchant Marine Academy Sailing Foundation | Newport, RI

  • Since January 2016: Johan Blach Petersen | Marselisborg, Aarhus, Denmark

Championship Highlights

  • 1987 – Porto Cervo: Winner (KZ-7 debut season)

  • 1999 – Saint-Tropez: World Champion

  • 2001 – Cowes (America’s Cup Jubilee): Second place

  • 2002 – Newport: Third place

  • 2005 – Newport: Third place

  • 2009 – Newport: Winner

  • 2012 – Newport: Winner

KZ-7 Today: Still Making Magic

Now sailing under the Danish flag and actively racing in Europe, KZ-7 – Kiwi Magic continues to inspire with her blend of technological brilliance, elegant design, and competitive spirit. Her journey from fiberglass pioneer to world champion to global ambassador for the 12 Metre class makes her one of the most iconic Twelves ever built.