Cookson Boats (New Zealand)

Cookson Boats, founded in 1978 by Mick Cookson in Glenfield, Auckland, is a world-renowned custom builder of high-performance carbon racing yachts, specializing in lightweight, planning hulls for grand prix, offshore, and one-design racing. Starting with GRP Farr 40s and Davidson 35s, Cookson pioneered pre-preg carbon construction in the 1990s, producing iconic boats like the Cookson 50 (1990, multiple Sydney-Hobart line honors), Cookson 12M (Farr 39ML) (1996), TP/ICAP Leopard (2003, transatlantic record), and Comanche (2014, transatlantic record 5d 14h). With a focus on custom and small-series builds (5–30 hulls per model) in collaboration with designers like Farr, VPLP, and Juan K, Cookson emphasizes Nomex honeycomb cores, carbon masts, and extreme weight reduction (D/L 100–150), powering Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup, and maxi campaigns. Still family-run in 2025, the yard builds TP52s, IMOCA 60s, and 100+ ft superyachts, with ~300 hulls delivered—each a record-breaker or podium finisher. Known for precision engineering and Southern Hemisphere craftsmanship, Cookson remains the gold standard for carbon speed.