Sparkman & Stephens
Olin Stephens II (1908-2008), was one of the most influential and prolific designers of the 20th century. After a short apprenticeship working on six meters, he joined forces with Drake Sparkman in 1930 to form the legendary S&S firm.
(From the beginning, the importance and influence of his brother, Rod Stephens, can not be overstated.)
The success of 'Dorade', commissioned by his father in the same year, helped put the company on the map.Many other designs were to follow including Baruna, Vim, Brilliant, Stormy Weather, Northern Light, and Nyala.
In 1937, in collaboration with Starling Burgess, Stephens designed 'Ranger', the last and fastest of the J Class boats, which was selected to defend the Cup after only seven races.
During the war, Sparkman & Stephens was heavily involved with the design of craft for the military.
When racing for the Americas cup resumed 26 years later, his pre-war 12 meter 'Vim' was barely eliminated in the defender trials of 1958. The S&S designed 'Freedom' (1980) was the last 12-Meter to successfully defend the Cup.
Olin Stephens was one of the primary figures in the development of rating rules from the CCA, to IOR, to IMS.
(Boats listed here are some of series built sailing yachts from the firm Sparkman & Stephens).
Sailboats Designed By Sparkman & Stephens
| Model | LOA | First Built |
|---|---|---|
| CAPRI 30 (CHRIS-CRAFT) | 30.00 ft / 9.14 m | 1964 |
| CARIBBEAN 35 (CHRIS-CRAFT) | 35.18 ft / 10.72 m | 1965 |
| CATALINA 38 | 38.08 ft / 11.61 m | 1978 |
| CHEROKEE 32 (CHRIS-CRAFT) | 32.00 ft / 9.75 m | 1966 |
| CLASSIC 37 (GRAMPIAN) | 37.33 ft / 11.38 m | 1964 |
| COLUMBIA 29 | 28.50 ft / 8.69 m | 1961 |
| COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER | 28.50 ft / 8.69 m | 1963 |
| COLUMBIA 29 MKII | 28.50 ft / 8.69 m | 1965 |
| COMANCHE 42 (CHRIS-CRAFT) | 42.00 ft / 12.80 m | 1968 |
| CONDOR 37 | 38.39 ft / 11.70 m | 1979 |
| CONTESSA 38 (S&S) | 38.50 ft / 11.73 m | 1973 |
| D&M 22 | 22.00 ft / 6.71 m | 1971 |
| DARK HARBOR 20 | 30.00 ft / 9.14 m | 1934 |
| DEB 33 | 33.42 ft / 10.19 m | 1969 |
| DELTA 94 | 30.33 ft / 9.24 m | 1971 |
| DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) | 14.87 ft / 4.53 m | 1978 |
| DOLPHIN 24 (S&S) | 24.16 ft / 7.36 m | 1959 |
| DOLPHIN 24 (YANKEE) | 24.16 ft / 7.36 m | 1968 |
| DUFOUR 42 (S&S) | 42.16 ft / 12.85 m | 1988 |
| FALCON 24 (S&S) | 24.16 ft / 7.36 m | 1973 |
| FINISTERRE (S&S) | 38.50 ft / 11.73 m | 1954 |
| FISHER PILOT 33 | 33.00 ft / 10.06 m | 1946 |
| FLAMINGO 32 | 31.50 ft / 9.60 m | 1976 |
| FLEET-O-WING | 17.75 ft / 5.41 m | 1939 |
| FREYA 44 (S&S) | 43.67 ft / 13.31 m | 1968 |
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