Cookson 50

The Cookson 50, designed by Farr Yacht Design and built by Cookson Boats in Auckland, became one of the most successful IRC offshore racing classes of the 2000s. With over 30 hulls built, the design dominated its class in events including the Sydney–Hobart Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race, establishing itself as the benchmark IRC 50 of its era.

Farr and Cookson had a long and productive partnership in the production of performance offshore yachts, and the 50 represented the pinnacle of their collaboration. Fast upwind and downwind, well-built for Southern Ocean conditions, and competitive on IRC rating, the Cookson 50 became the go-to choice for serious offshore racing owners in the 50-foot range during the mid-2000s.