Swuzzlebubble - the transformation

Ian Gibbs' original Swuzzlebubble, a Farr designed Half Tonner, was designed and built to contest the 1977 Half Ton Cup, where she represented New Zealand and then went on to form part of New Zealand's winning three-boat team in the 1977 Southern Cross Cup. Later she competed in the 1979 Half Ton Cup, and the history of that period can be seen here.

Swuzzlebubble during the New Zealand Half Ton Cup trials in 1977

As found in Greece, 2012

Swuzzlebubble was found in 2012 by Peter Morton (of Anchor Challenge and Bullit fame) in a very sorry state in Rhodes, Greece. Her hull was largely intact, although the bow was damaged and her keel was in very bad shape and she had been stripped of all gear. Morton has gone about rescuing Swuzzlebubble from what might have otherwise been her final resting place, and is currently refurbishing her so that she can join the strong European Half Ton fleet. As a 'long' Half Tonner and with an impeccable racing pedigree and experienced new owner she is bound to be a serious campaigner on the Half Ton circuit.

Arrival in England - April 2013

Hull fairing and repair of the broken bow section - October 2013

Nearing completion in early April 2014, with new cockpit and deck gear being fitted

Swuzzlebubble outside her shed in the Isle of Wight - 7 April 2014

The new hull graphics are added (9 April 2014), retaining her Kiwi heritage with a black and white theme and use of the same koru design on sistership Gunboat Rangiriri

The keel is fitted mid-April, the latest in IRC thinking and showing a distinctive concavity in the trailing edge

Looking sharp and ready for her new rig

Launched! 18 April 2014

First sail - 22 April 2014, and sporting her original 'KZ-3494' sail number!

These photos documenting the transformation of Swuzzlebubble are courtesy of Peter Morton, and there are more on the Alpha Plus UK site too, and some of the design work can be seen on the BR Yachting Developments blog. For more about the appendage and rig design for Swuzzlebubble, and about the optimisation of former Quarter and Half Tonners, see the comments by Mark Mills here.

Swuzzlebubble still going strong, seen here during the 2022 Half Ton Cup (photo Facebook)

Swuzzlebubble is now sailed in Ireland by current owners David and James Dwyer, and in December 2023 was awarded the Irish Cruiser and Racing Association (ICRA) Yacht of the Year Award.

Swuzzlebubble sailing under the burgee of the Royal Cork Yacht Club (photo Afloat magazine)

Swuzzlebubble sailing in 2024 (photo by Robert Bateman | Afloat magazine)

Swuzzlebubble raced her sistership Two Farr (also transformed in recent years), the ex-2269, in the IRC2 division of the Wave Regatta in late May 2024, hosted by the Howth Yacht Club, with Swuzzlebubble clinching the win on countback.

Article updated May 2024