Achernar was designed for John R Buttle who wanted a larger boat than Patiki (Stewart 34) which he then owned. She was built by Max Carter Ltd in Penrose and launched at Westhaven early 1966.

Five of this 42 foot design were built and Achernar was the second after Carmen, to be followed by Leda, Chinchilla and Camille. Construction of 3 skins diagonal Kauri but with plywood/foam sandwich for bulkheads cockpit bunks and cabintop which was innovative for the time.

Achernar was named after a bright southern star used in navigation. The boat remains in the Buttle family with James and Andrew using her mostly for cruising now. For thirty years she raced regularly with the RNZYS winning the First Division points prize in 1971-72. The mast was replaced in 1982 after a cap shroud failure while sailing near Mayor Island bent the mast. A major refit was done in 1985. A stern hung rudder was fitted due to rudder/hull problems. The first was damaged before the boat was even launched.

As the boat builders finished work and moved back to the cockpit, the boat slid back in the cradle and bent the rudder. It is now the fourth rudder installed and it is hoped to replace it back to its original position after hull strengthening has been done.

Achernar is moored at Scotts Landing in the Mahurangi - except during the summer months when you will find her somewhere around the Northern coast.

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