olin stephens – stephenlirakis.com

ANOTHER LOOK AT THE SHAPE OF SPEED

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The America’s Cup showcased foiling under sail; something no one can ever unsee. Foiling is the new standard. Swing keels are also a standard in the search to reduce wetted surface.

It is hard to imagine that “Charisma” was once the standard for speed under sail. Construction with aluminum lent itself to very strong boats that could be easily altered. “Charisma” was perhaps the penultimate IOR boat.

For ease of altering a boat nothing can beat aluminum. Carbon fiber is however in a class by itself for strength to weight ratio; making today’s yachts lighter and stronger than ever.

SKYLARK

Some years ago this boats was in Newport and being restored. Obviously she changed hands and is now sailing. The photos I took in 2005, while she was still in Newport.

TOO NARROW

Dorade is wonderful boat that has found a loving owner. But she was too narrow when she was first conceived and it is a flaw she will carry all of her life. Her early success was just as likely due to the skill of those sailing her as well the departure from traditional design. She still causes people to pause when her name is mentioned.

THE ART OF YACHTING

This is a much larger subject than the space I am giving it today. The more I think about it the more I might expand this thread. It should be no surprise to any of us that the America’s Cup is the focal point. It is specific, and has had a long history. Sculptors, painters, illustrators, photographers, film makers all have made the Cup the object of their work.

“LESSONS FROM THE SEA”

Rod Stephens’ book “Lessons from the Sea” is available in pdf from Sparkman & Stephens. As most of you are aware Rod and his brother Olin were not only very influential but a dominate force in yachting as we knew it. Their influence is still present today, but sailing has taken a path that neither of the brothers approved.

Both wonderfully charming men they reflected the best of our times. Rod was definitive in his ideas, while Olin would politely disagree, not wishing to offend, but unmoved in his opinion in the end.