This Reichel/Pugh design was originally built as Zephyrus IV and later raced as Bright Star and Scout Spirit. The current owners, two Eagle Scouts, hence the name Akela, extensively modernized her in 2008 at a cost of $2m. R/P did the design work for this modernization including a new taller carbon mast, swept back spreaders, bowsprit with aysos, and a new custom-fin built in New Zealand with deeper draft. The owners added new sails, new paint, new winches, and much, much more. The current owners have had great racing success and are ready to move onto other things.
I have sailed on the boat both before and after the 2008 modernization and she is now truly much faster and much easier to sail. This boat look good, goes fast, and is strongly recommended.
