Starlings are available in either wood or fibreglass. Wooden hulls have sail numbers from 1 to 1999 and GRP hulls are numbered from 2000. The GRP hulls are available from MacKay Boats Ltd, Auckland. www.mackayboats.com ph. 09 426 4306. Either amateur or professional builders can build wooden hulls. To build your own Starling, purchase a plan pack from the class registrar for a fee of $140. This includes a building plan, the allocation of a sail number and a copy of the class rules. The fee also covers the cost of the first measurement. A building guide is attached to this website. If you wish to have a boat professionally built, contact your local yacht club for a builder in your area.

There is a vigorous second-hand market for Starlings and good examples are always in demand. Well-built and well-maintained boats have an unlimited life. When buying second-hand, try to find a boat as close to the minimum weight as possible, (41 kgs). The spars and sails are relatively inexpensive to replace, so even very early boats can be upgraded to be competitive provided they are not overweight.

The sail is one-design and these are currently made by North Sails. The spars are also one-design and are available from A Foster and Sons. Foils are of optional design, only limited by the maximum dimensions specified in the class rules. All other fittings are of optional design and brand.

MacKay Boats Ltd

The Starling Class Association is pleased to announce the availability of fibreglass Starlings from MacKay Boats Ltd. New moulds have been constructed by MacKay Boats to a computer generated John Clinton interpretation of the Des Townson design. Des oversaw the final electronic lofting and class measurer Brian Peet confirmed the dimensions complied with class rules. The plug was cut from a solid MDF billet by a computer-controlled router. Prior to the construction of a production mould, the plug was measured using the class 3D jig and it fitted comfortably within existing Starling Class tolerances.

The first production boat was launched, sailed once, and then shipped to the Korean Boat Show. The show was a huge event complete with outdoor sailing arena. The Starling was trialled by a number of Korean sailors and made a favourable impression. The ultimate aim is to have boats exported around the Pacific basin and create a regional network of regattas. Korean and Noumean teams competed in the 2009 Sleepyhead Asia Pacific Regatta using MacKay Starlings.

As the photos show, the first boat was rigged with a Southern Spars mast and boom and a North Sails mylar sail. Mylar sails will not be developed because the existing soft sail allows a greater tunning flexibility resulting in the Starling catering to a wider range of sailor weight. Carbon masts are continuing to be developed and will be standard fit on all export boats

For further information www.makayboats.com Ph 09 426 4306

North Sails New Zealand

North Sails NZ are the sole supplier of Starling sails. The sails are cut from one pattern, making it a one-design sail. Older Hood sails from the previous Starling supplier can be used at Starling events. www.nz.northsails.com Ph. 09 359 5999. 117 Pakenham Street, Auckland.

Fostermasts Ltd

Fosters are the sole supplier for aluminium masts. Bare sections or fully rigged masts can be purchased from Fosters. www.fostermasts.com Ph 09 527 6882. 53 Elizabeth Knox Place, St Johns.

Sail One

Sail One are approved suppliers for MacKay Boats GRP Starlings. They also carry a wide range of dinghy parts and sailor accessories.

Contact Keith or Kathy Elliot at Sail One This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.sailone.co.nz

Ph 09 376 6763 29 Leighton St Grey Lynn, Auckland.