American designer and racing sailor. His first notoriety was achieved with the 33' 'Rabbit', which trounced the competition on the European racing circuit in 1965, including a first overall in the Fastnet race. He returned the following year with the 37' 'Tina', with nearly equal success. Carter designs continued to dominate RORC handicap racing for a number of years with 'Rabit II'(1967), and the more radical 'Red Rooster', with it's 2 ton drop keel, and retractable, transom hung rudder. Despite being launched only days before the series, 'Rooster' was top scoring boat at the Admirals Cup of 1969, and overall winner in the Fastnet.
As 'level' racing became popular (under the newly created IOR), Carter designs continued to be at the top of the fleet with one tonner 'Ydra', and three quarter tonner 'Ariadne'.
Carter also took an active role in revising and maintaining the rules for offshore racing and was among the most influencial advisors in the development of the IOR.
Carter Offshore was the company he established to build production versions of many of his most successful designs. The actual contruction was contracted out to a number of yards around the world. Though it was a constant struggle, it is thought that for the most part, he succeeded in maintaining his expected high standards.
One of the most unusual projects that Carter became involved with was the 120' 3 master schooner 'Vendredi Treize' built for the 1972 Single Handed Trans Atlantic race. The boat, (actually drawn by Yves-Marie Tanton, an employee at the time) was narrowly defeated by Alain Colas, sailing Eric Tabarly's revolutionary, aluminum trimaran.
Because of his reputation, Carter's design firm, located at Nahant, near Boston MA, attracted some of the most dedicated and talented people in the field. Many designers of later renown, got their start working for Carter.
(sbdc 2010; rev.8/13)