olin stephens – stephenlirakis.com

1972 BERMUDA & TRANSATLANTIC RACES

In 1972 I was Sailing on “Charisma” a 56 foot S&S. A wonderful powerful boat. A Hurricane (Agnes) crossed the course to Bermuda. We had 70 knots over the deck at the finish.

The Transatlantic race to Spain started in Bermuda and was in stark contrast as the course crossed two high pressure zones. The boat that won sailed the isobars. I had argued the point to no avail aboard “Charisma” as it meant sailing at right angles to the course. Less than 24 hours after finishing we set out for Sardinia; for what would be the first Mediterranean Championship; winning every race with Bill Ficker steering.

MY LIFE IN BOATS

I assembled this a few years ago because even I forget some of the boats and events I sailed. Still fond memories; and still making more.

12 METER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 DAY 3

THE LEADERBORD FOR THE 12 METER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS REMAINS TIGHT AND IN FLUX. THIS REGATTA WILL GO DOWN TO THE WIRE.

SATURDAY IS THE FINAL DAY OF RACING FOLLOWED BY THE PRIZE AWARDING.

TENACIOUS TED

ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 22 2019 TED TURNER PRESENTED THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB WITH A FULL RIGGED MODEL OF “TENACIOUS” THE 61 FOOT S&S DESIGN IN WHICH TED WON THE FAMOUS 1979 FASTNET RACE.

TED AT 80 YEARS OLD IS SUFFERING FROM LEWY BODY DEMENTIA. EACH OF THESE REUNIONS ARE SPECIAL AS WE ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER WITH THOSE WITH WHOM WE SHARED SPECIAL MOMENTS.

FRANZ SCHNEIDER, TED TURNER, PETER BOWKER

TED TURNER & MARTY O’MERA WITH THE MODEL

BAND OF BROTHERS

I am about to start my 9th transatlantic race on 7 different boats. I have sailed with a number of people as a result; and have warm memories of each race, each boat, and each and every person.

It is a fraternity that one can only join by competing.

I had news a few days ago that another of that fraternity had died. Peter Van Dyke passed away. A loss to our group.

PETER VAN DYKE, '72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE — PETER VAN DYKE, ’72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE

RICH DUMOULIN '72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE — RICH DUMOULIN ’72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE

COLLEGE AND AMERICA'S CUP — COLLEGE AND AMERICA’S CUP

ANOTHER LOOK AT THE SHAPE OF SPEED

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.

“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.

Olin studying a design with Knight Coolidge

Olin Stephens 1908-2008

Olin Stephens turned 100 years old in April of this year. He touched so many lives during his lifetime; mentored many many yacht designers, and brought joy to many many yacht owners. The list of his accomplishments is so very long, as well. He designed 7 America’s Cup defenders, and was involved in several more.

He is pictured with Alan Hanover, the present owner of “Columbia” the 1958 defender. Alan proudly announced in 2000 that he intended to restore “Columbia” to her original shape, adding approximately 4 feet to the stern . Olin responded quietly:”Why would anyone do such a thing?” After the restoration was complete, Olin conceded that the boat really did look better.I sailed with Olin on a number of boats and our lives crossed for other reasons as well as I lofted and built a number of his designs.

Jim McCurdy is pictured with Olin aboard “Carina” one of Jim’s designs, in 1971 in Cowes, England.