New Zealander Des Townson was a self-taught yacht designer and boat builder whose 50-year design career produced some of New Zealand's most striking and spirited boats, by close family friend and sailor, Brian Peet.
‘Des possessed an intuitive feel for a boat, an analytical mind, a phenomenal memory, a dogged drive and a wonderful eye for the visual balance of a yacht,’ says Peet. Townson was a purist, a perfectionist and a genius. He had a spartan approach to design and exacting standards. The result: outstandingly beautiful yachts with great race potential.