Alan Mummery: The quiet genius of Kiwi yacht design

Early beginnings on Waiheke

Alan Mummery’s career in yacht design began on the shores of Waiheke Island in the 1970s. His first known project was Ibis, a 9.8-metre timber yacht he built for himself in 1974. This vessel, which he both designed and built, would become the archetype for what would follow: strong, simple, seaworthy cruising boats tailored to real-world needs.

Mummery’s early workshop was a small, hands-on operation focused on intelligent, durable craftsmanship. The boats that emerged from it quickly earned a reputation for their balance, strength, and purposeful design.

Design philosophy rooted in simplicity

Mummery’s approach to yacht design focused on real-world performance, short-handed sailing, and strong construction. His boats are typically moderate in beam, long in the waterline, and conservative in rig setup, well suited for passage-making.

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Construction materials vary: timber (notably strip-planked kauri), steel, and aluminium feature prominently in his designs. Mummery’s Cape 40, for instance, is especially prized by offshore cruisers for its strength and simplicity.

Signature builds

One of Mummery’s most admired builds is Waiata II, a 55-foot cutter built using strip-planked kauri and launched in the early 1970s. The boat exemplifies Mummery’s affinity for clean lines, durable materials, and seagoing integrity.

Other key Mummery designs include:

• Cape 40: A proven offshore-capable alloy cruiser. Several examples have completed major passages across the Pacific and beyond.
• Mummery 52 and 55 Pilothouse Motorsailers: Larger vessels designed with long-range liveaboard use in mind. Their raised saloons and internal helm stations have earned praise from high-latitude and Pacific-bound sailors.
• Marimba 24: An early compact cruiser design that introduced many Kiwi sailors to Mummery’s work.

Alan Mummery has had his plans built by both professional yards and dedicated amateur enthusiasts. His designs have been built by McMullen & Wing and other local boatbuilders. Builders of Cape 40 cruisers have also shared insights into working with Mummery’s steel and alloy plans.

Owners and builders consistently cite ease of maintenance, thoughtful construction, and offshore dependability as standout features of his boats. Mummery yachts are frequently restored, resold, and kept in active use long after their launch dates.

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1955 Santa Maria

$135,000

1955 | 13 | Santa Maria is a classic trawler, well-maintained and a fantastic seagoing vessel.

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A legacy afloat

From the Hauraki Gulf to the Coral Sea and beyond, Mummery-designed boats remain in active service. Owners continue to report positive experiences from offshore voyages and long-term cruising.

These boats may not attract the spotlight, but their seaworthiness and reliability ensure that Alan Mummery’s name continues to carry weight among experienced cruisers.

Welcome recognition

In recent years, there’s been renewed interest in strong, practical offshore cruisers — and Mummery’s designs are being re-evaluated accordingly. A new generation of sailors seeking substance over style is discovering his legacy.

In a country with legends like John Lidgard, Alan Warwick, and Ron Holland, Alan Mummery may be less celebrated — but no less deserving of recognition. His designs remain a testament to timeless Kiwi values: craftsmanship, modesty, and respect for the sea.