McConaghy Boats: over 50 years of innovation in boating performance

From its pioneering use of innovative materials to its technical prowess, McConaghy Boats has left its mark on the history of boatbuilding. A look back at a trajectory that transformed industry standards.

Since 1967, McConaghy Boats has established itself as a major player in boatbuilding. Founded by John McConaghy, the australian company was built around a pioneering vision: integrating materials from the aerospace industry into the marine sector.

Today, with over five decades of expertise, McConaghy Boats excels in the design of racing yachts, superyachts and advanced composite structures. Here are a few key dates in this technological and human adventure.

The early days: innovation as the driving force

  • 1967: McConaghy founded
    The adventure begins with the manufacture of A-Class skiffs, Tornados and catamarans. John McConaghy explores new materials never before used in marine applications.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
  • 1970s: prepreg carbon, a revolution
    McConaghy pioneers the use of prepreg carbon, previously used only in aerospace applications, in sailboat construction. A first 18-foot skiff propels the brand to the pinnacle of nautical performance and ushers in a new era of competitive sailing.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats

Major technical advances

  • 1987: The Nomex maxi yacht
    McConaghy makes history by building the first maxi yacht with a prepreg Nomex core, designed by Giovanni Belgrano and SP Systems. A technical feat that makes this boat the world's largest composite structure of its time.

  • 2000: Morris and Evans, heirs to excellence
    Jono Morris and Mark Evans, then employees of McConaghy, succeed founder John McConaghy and his long-time partner Steve Moxham. Drawing on their complementary skills, they oversaw the creation of some of the most successful maxi yachts in history.

  • 2002-2005: Consecutive victories
    In 2002, Alfa Romeo wins the line honors at the Rolex Sydney Hobart. In 2005, McConaghy builds the yacht for China Team in the America's Cup, marking China's historic entry into the Cup. That same year, Wild Oats XI won the Line Honours at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. An impressive series of victories continued with four consecutive wins from 2005 to 2008.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
  • 2012: A descent into the abyss
    McConaghy collaborates with filmmaker James Cameron and engineer Ron Allum to build the Deepsea Challenger submersible, capable of diving eleven kilometers into the Mariana Trench.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats

International expansion and diversification

  • 2006: Opening in China
    To meet growing market demand, McConaghy opens a yard in Zhuhai. This expansion in China enables us to produce semi-customized ranges combining quality and speed.

  • 2014: A strategic partnership
    Tiger Group Investments becomes a key ally, providing McConaghy with the means to modernize its state-of-the-art plant, machinery and equipment at McConaghy's sites in China and Sydney.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
  • 2018 : Catamaran launch
    The first McConaghy catamaran, a fast cruising multihull, is launched. It marks a new stage in the company's diversification.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats

A decade of records and success

  • 2022 : The AC40, a showcase of technology
    McConaghy is chosen to build the AC40, the spectacular boats that will compete alongside the 37th America's Cup.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats
  • 2023 : The hydrogen era
    The company launches production of a 13-meter hydrogen-powered chase boat for some of the teams taking part in the 37th America's Cup: a step towards innovative, sustainable sailing.

© Mcconaghyboats
© Mcconaghyboats

Headed today by Mark Evans and backed by Tiger Group Investments, McConaghy employs over 200 people in Australia, China and Hong Kong. With production tripling over the past decade, the company continues to make headway in yacht building, from racing yachts and superyachts to cutting-edge technological solutions.

More articles on the theme