Zefira was commissioned by a very experienced Italian businessman - he started with a seven-meter boat, then purchased a 38-foot Dufour on which he sailed with his wife around Europe and North Africa, then crossed the Atlantic on a 25-meter boat, then purchased a 30-meter Jongert on which he sailed to Alaska, then he ordered a 40-meter Kokomo of London. Meeting Ed Dubois while working on Kokomo inspired him to create a new boat that he wanted to be a true work of art, an example of impeccable quality and high performance under sail. He wanted a boat that was big, comfortable enough to give the helmsman (of course the owner was going to be steering himself) the same sailing sensations you'd get in a small boat. It also required a minimalist design with restrained and clean lines. Zefira was the largest boat designed by Ed Dubois without a flybridge, which was the customer's wish.
