The Elliott 5.9 was designed in 1980 and took the New Zealand trailer boat scene by storm in 1983. The first three yachts built raced in the National Trailer Sailer championships. With “Zoot Allures” just being completed hours before the regatta start. The three boat sailed in different divisions and between them they took all the line and handicap honours in division D all the guns and third on handicap in division E.

These original boats were built of plywood. Young sailors were inspired by the thrill of sailing the 5.9 and designed to be cost effective to build they were affordable. Moulds were made and the Class was formalised.

In 1987 the RNZYS selected the Elliott 5.9 as the yacht for their new Youth Sailing Programme. Fourteen years later the RNZYS replaced these yachts with a new fleet of Elliott 6m.

Lil' Ripper

The Elliott 5.9

Elliott 5.9 stuns the t/y stars