Boating New Zealand — January 2018

48 Boating New Zealand

by the hull and internal layout of Navigator but wanted a rig

with very different priorities.”

Bob added the versatility of a standing lugsail mainsail and a

mizzen and a cult classic was born.

Navigators are to be found as far north as Finland, Norway

and Denmark, and as far south as Invercargill. Several have

done some respectable coastal passages and local dinghy

cruising hero David Perrilo has cruised his around Fiji, adding

further fuel to the cult of simple dinghy cruising.

CONSTRUCTION

John Welsford boats have made their name due to their good

looks and simple construction for the amateur builder. Most

are built that way, but the hull, spars and rudder of Korora were

built by Mick Fone of Richard Walker Boat builders in Richmond,

Nelson, with the fitting and finishing by owner Dave Johnstone.

According to those who’ve attempted it, building a Navigator

is a straightforward proposition for anyone with basic carpentry

skills. There are 11 detailed sheets of plans that include

a comprehensive accounting of fastenings, materials and

hardware, as well as helpful suggestions for rigging.

Building instructions have just enough detail to point novice

builders in the right direction, while allowing them to make

decisions based on personal preferences. The Navigator can be

BELOW Fairlead, outhaul

arrangement and a classic

bronze mainsheet block

• they’re all part of what
  makes Korora special.
  RIGHT The sturdy,
  Oregon bowsprit.
  FAR RIGHT Skipper Dave
  Johnson trims her up.