Junior was originally built in 1981 for Baron Edmond de Rothschild as Z 77 Gitana, one of four boats built by Batbaryggarna Ab, at Ronning at the same time, to the same design and in the same place. Their design by Pelle Petterson was based on and very similar to that of Irene (II), now Cream, winner of the 1979 Worlds and 1980 Europeans. The other three boats were S 102 Irene (III), Arunga, and Fillippa (now GER 60 Phillippa).
Arguably the most successful post-1965 boat, she was bought by Bernard Haissly, later twice ISMA President, who was immediately successful in her, bringing her to England in 1986 to win the second ever British Open Six-Metre Championships at the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes.
Owned and helmed by Bernard Haissly she subsequently won the Worlds in 1999 and 2007 and the Europeans in 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002. Again with Bernard she was runner up in the Worlds in 1991 and 1994. Sold to Yan Marilley, re-numbered FRA 177 and re-named Junior, she was Runner-up in the Europeans in 2008 and, again helmed by Bernard Haissly, in 2010.
