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History:
Sparkman
& Stephens Inc was formally created on November 11,
1929,
with five partners: Drake Sparkman and his younger brother James, James
Murray, and Olin and Rod Stephens. Two brothers, Olin J. Stephens and
Roderick Stephens, Jr., began their careers as self-taught sailors on
Barnstable Bay, Massachusetts. Both entered the marine industry at an
early age - Olin apprenticing in yacht design under Phillip Rhodes, and
Rod working at the legendary Nevins Yard in City Island, New York. With
his father's backing, the 21-year old Olin entered into a partnership
with the already successful yacht broker Drake Sparkman, and Sparkman &
Stephens, Inc. was formed.
But the success of the company was far from assured. In fact, just
months after opening for business, the financial crisis of the Great
Depression swept the global market. In spite of this, the Stephens'
father ordered a design for a racing yacht from the young firm - a yacht
named Dorade. That gamble paid off. As her first major test, Dorade won
the much-publicized 1931 Trans-Atlantic Race. That victory launched the
design reputation of Sparkman & Stephens - and set a course for the firm
that would last more than half a century. Together Olin and Rod Stephens
formed a team that literally changed the face of yachting forever,
creating good solid racing and cruising designs that helped to
popularize the sport.
(source:
Wikipedia) |
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Accomplishments:
Since
the establishment of Sparkman & Stephens, the firm has successfully
completed over 2600 designs and related assignments in the pleasure,
commercial and military sectors. Best known for the design of sailing
yachts, the firm has branched out as it has continued to grow over the
years. Today the company is organized into two departments, one focused
on design, naval architecture and marine engineering and the other
handling the brokerage, chartering, and insurance of yachts.
Notable production designs:
Swan sailboats,
Swan 36, Swan 37, Swan 38, Swan 40, Swan 41, Swan 44, Swan 47, Swan 48,
Swan 55, Swan 57, Swan 76
Morris Yachts Ocean M series,
Morris M36, Morris M42, Morris M52
Columbia Yachts: Columbia
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