The 12 Metre KZ-5 sails under the Yacht Club Italiano flag! The 1980s marked a period of significant evolution for the 12 Metre class, with two major technological leaps. In 1982, the arrival of the first winged keel allowed the Australians to win the America’s Cup in 1983 with Australia II. Then in 1985, in preparation for the next edition in Freemantle, a $15 million investment by New Zealand financier Michael Fay led to the creation of the first fiberglass 12 Metres — nicknamed the Plastic Fantastics. These cutting-edge boats were the brainchild of three legendary yacht designers Fay brought together: Laurie Davidson, Bruce Farr, and Ron Holland.
The use of fiberglass meant lighter and stiffer hulls compared to aluminum. KZ-5 was the second trial boat (a so-called “rabbit”) built to train and develop what would become Fay’s America’s Cup challenger, KZ-7. Although KZ-5 did not participate in the Cup trials, it achieved an impressive second place at the 1986 12 Metre World Championship.
After the Cup, KZ-5 was acquired by the Japanese Nippon Challenge, and later changed hands several times until 2019, when — sailing under the name Legacy with Jesper Bank at the helm — it won the 12 Metre Worlds in Newport in the Grand Prix division.
At the end of 2024, YCI Member Andy Bianchedi purchased KZ-5 and brought it from Newport to Genoa, with the goal of racing in the Mediterranean under the Yacht Club Italiano colors.
This new chapter in KZ-5’s remarkable journey will see her return to the racecourse, keeping alive the tradition of excellence of the 12 Metre Class and continuing the Club’s deep-rooted passion for these magnificent yachts — a tradition upheld at the highest international level thanks also to the commitment of YCI Member Patrizio Bertelli, owner of the iconic Nyala and Kookaburra III.
