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.

New York Yacht club Classics Regatta july 2008

This regatta was a celebration not just of classic yachts but Olin Stephens 100th birthday. Just the number and variety of boats Olin designed that I had the privilege of sailing and the joy it gave me over the years, is more than a few. Olin's name was synonymous with twelve meters and the defense of the America's cup.
I am steering Peter Cassidy's NY 32 "Siren" in the round the island race, we finished 2nd for the day and third overall. The New York 32 designed in 1935 was one of Olin's designs.