Welcome
A "kiwi classic".
REACTOR FACTS & FIGURES
Plan size: length 25', LWL 19'10", beam 8", draft 4'8", displacement 5,020 lbs, ballast 2,100lbs.
Cost: originally $6,000 in about 1970.
Skegs: added after yacht 19 to reduce chances of broach in races in strong wind with kite, and added to many earlier yachts after production.
Optimum speed to windward: sq/root of LWL x 1.3 = 5.8kn.
The first class of keelers to be built with coloured hulls.
Number built: 83, possibly a 84th reported in the Marquesas Islands. First Reactor was timber, the plug for the fiberglass mould, (originally Armageddon, now Madam Butterfly). First fiberglass Reactor was named Reactor, Paul Whiting's boat. First production Reactor was Command. Last Reactor built: Negrita by Tony Kidd (Warkworth, 1987).
Osmosis: Reactors 25s are renowned for least problem due to resin enriched tissue layer after gelcoat and before glass layer.
Symbols: On 6 October 1980 the Greek letter Theta symbol was adopted. This originally belonged to the Junior Offshore Group (JOG) of boats in which Reactors raced. Paul Whiting, the designer, was a great enthusiast, and encouraged many Reactors to compete with the group. When the JOG wound up, the Reactor Owners' Association (ROA; now the Reactor Yachting Association Inc) applied to the New Zealand Yachting Federation (NZYF) for permission to adopt the logo as many Reactors were already using it on their mainsails. Permission was given in 1980.
Reactor Yachting Association Inc: Original Constitution (for Reactor Owners' Association) adopted 15 March 1982. Original rules for class racing adopted 15 Mar 1982. Revised ones adopted 13 Dec 1990. The ROA became incorporated as Reactor Yachting Association Inc on 9 May 2006. Longest Association membership: 29 years
Trophies: 12 cruising, and 14 racing. Affiliated to Royal Akarana Yacht Club throughout.
Reactor handicap system adopted at Victoria Cruising Club Regatta 25 April 1986.
Yacht Locations: Northland 11; Auckland 56; Coromandel 1;Taupo 1; Taranaki 1; Wellington 5; Nelson 3; Marlborough 2; Canterbury 4; Overseas 1.
Preferred engines: 1970s, Stewart Turner 8-10hp twin petrol, 125kgs. 1980s, Yanmar 8hp single diesel, 130 kgs. 1990s and on, Yanmar 1GM10, 10hp single diesel, 76kgs. Also 7hp Vire, 7hp BMW, and 10hp twins Nanni and Vetus.
Biggest fleet: 21 entries in 150th Auckland Anniversary Regatta, 1990.
Biggest cruiser: Colin Brown, Umeme II, regular 3-month cruises over 25 years.
Biggest distance: Jaffa, presently in the Mediterranean Sea.
Biggest circumnavigation: Sassy, sailed around North and South Islands.
Biggest race:Single handed Trans Tasman2010, Wishbone
Biggest thrill: 13 knots with kite in winds of 25 to 30 knots
Biggest mistake: exceeding 13 knots - drives bow under.
Most common indiscretions:
Mast down due to swage failure in standing rigging not replaced every 10 years or so.
Rudder falls off due to secure head fastening.
Chainplates let go due to shallow bedding in glasswork.
Engine failure due to lack of use (30 mins a month at full cruise).
"Reactors are built like brick outhouses." No! Reactors are correctly built and most other yachts too lightly built.
Satisfaction level? The best.