The first Reactor was named Reactor, seen here being raced by the designer Paul Whiting and two crew.
The Reactor was designed by Paul Whiting (1952-1980) in 1968.
First launched in 1969 with the last in 1987, the original cost (complete) was $6,100.
The demand was such that a purpose-built factory was opened. From 1974, the Mark II version included a skeg, remoulded cabin hatch, interior quarter berths and higher toe-rail.
The 24-page book 'The Reactor Story' is available for all Reactor Yacht Association members and tells how this remarkable yacht was first built. The cover, shown here, shows the first Reactor (named 'Reactor') being sailed by Paul and Penny Whiting and Alan Warwick from Kawau to Motuora in a Junior Offshore Group race in the early 1970's.
The photos below were taken in the Auckland boat building factory.
A total of 78 Reactors were built and were the first class of keelers built with coloured hulls. They are excellent seaworthy yachts and now recognised as a Classic Yacht as the first GRP yachts built in New Zealand, and about the only class yacht still raced as such.
Reactors under construction in the Auckland boat building factory.