The Passing of Olin Stephens

The legendary naval architect, whose designs changed the face of yachting, passed away this past Saturday in Hanover, NH. Stephens celebrated his 100 birthday on April 13th, and was the senior member of the New York Yacht Club.

His work in the yachting community (both in sail and in power) was beyond exceptional; he designed eight America’s Cup winners including the famous Dorade, which lit off the success of the Sparkman & Stephens design firm (see our article “Engineering Tradition“). He retired from the firm in 1978 and moved to Hanover, NH, where he continued his studies of fluid dynamics, and occasional guest lectured in Dartmouth College’s engineering department.

He is survived by his sons, Olin Stephens III and Samuel R. Stephens; his sister, Marite Sheridan; and his grandson, Olin J. Stephens IV. He will be missed by the entire yachting community.