The Kings Ametyst design is a development of the Ametyst design which was submitted for the Glasgow Herald competition in 1958.  The competition was open to anyone and the brief was to design a wooden yacht capable of taking four adults to cruise the Hebrides for two weeks.  It had to be capable of being built and include a set of cotton sails for £1000.  The design was “highly Commended” but considered ineligible because in the opinion of the judges it could not be constructed for less than £1000.  The original design was 28ft and to be made of plywood.  The Kings Ametyst is over 5 feet longer and is built of mahogany planks on oak frames.  The cost of the early boats in the UK was £3000.