An American designer best known for his racing craft that appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. Born into a old and wealthy New England family that went back several generations, Crowninshield served a short apprenticeship with John R. Purdon, before opening his own design and brokerage firm in 1892 and some time later a shipyard at Somersett MA where he built cargo schooners for world war I. It was here that the 7 masted schooner, 'Charles W. Lawson', was built.
As a designer of yachts, Crowninshield was known for his long, sleek 'knockabout' sloops, 2 Americas Cup contenders and a number of successful racing schooners. A number of other renowned designers got their start at the firm including Charles Mower and John Alden.