Navigator Jaunty and Pathfinder Varuna photographed by David Perillo
Take a look at these photos – I can’t imagine how anyone could look at them without feeling inspired. The scenery is the coast of New Zealand, and the boats are a Navigator and a Pathfinder, both large cruising dinghies designed by John Welsford.
Just as we slide gloriously into summer here in the UK, it seems odd to think of John and his countrymen and women slipping towards their winter. But we shouldn’t feel too sorry for them yet, judging by what John had to say about it this morning: ‘Autumn here of course, golden leaves on the poplars, weather fine one minute and rain the next, temperature still about 22 deg c in the afternoons and its still not bad sailing weather.’ From everything I hear, New Zealand is an amazing country.
John’s work is very highly respected, and his designs cover a range of sizes and types to suit a range of skill levels and time available to build a boat.
Follow this link to read about his designs: John Welsford Small Craft
Beautiful boats! Wish I was there. What’s the name of the Pathfinder and it’s owner? I really like the marconi type mainsail and mizzen.