KZ 1 was a sailing yacht used to challenge for the 1988 America's Cup.
KZ 1 was designed by Bruce Farr and has a hull made from a carbon fiber and Kevlar/Nomex sandwich.
She was skippered by David Barnes and manned by a crew of 40 from the Mercury Bay Boating Club in Whitianga, New Zealand. KZ 1 was given the nicknames of the Big Boat or Big Beauty by financial backer, Sir Michael Fay. Her size and wide decks earned her the nickname The Aircraft Carrier.
The unconventional challenge of Michael Fay and KZ 1 prompted American syndicate head Dennis Conner to respond with an unconventional defense. Lacking time and looking to protect the planned international event in 1992, the defenders built Stars & Stripes (US 1), a catamaran that Conner sailed to win the challenge, though most of the battle was fought in court. KZ 1 is now on display near the National Maritime Museum in downtown Auckland.
Comparison of 87–90 ft America's Cup contenders:
| Year | LOA | LWL | Sail Area | Mast height | Displacement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliance | 1903 | 43.89 m (144.0 ft) | 27.43 m (90.0 ft) | 1,501 m2 (16,160 sq ft) | 67.05 m (220.0 ft) | 189 tons |
| Ranger | 1937 | 41.15 m (135.0 ft) | 26.51 m (87.0 ft) | 701 m2 (7,550 sq ft) | 46.98 m (154.1 ft) | 166 tons |
| KZ1 | 1988 | 36.57 m (120.0 ft) | 27.43 m (90.0 ft) | 627 m2 (6,750 sq ft) | 46.78 m (153.5 ft) | 39 tons |
| USA-17 | 2010 | 34.5 m (113 ft) | 27.43 m (90.0 ft) | 1,270 m2 (13,700 sq ft) | 68 m (223 ft) | 18 tons |