The Designer Series hosts 2018 Design Discussion celebrating Sparkman & Stephens
by Paul Fleming 3 Sep 2018 11:11 UTC
28 June 2018
2018 Design Discussion celebrating Sparkman & Stephens at the New York Yacht Club © Paul Fleming
The 2018-2019 Designer Series, honoring the yacht designs of Sparkman & Stephens, kicked off with a lively Design Discussion and Cocktail Reception on June 28, 2018.
The Design Discussion took place in the Acadia Room of the New York Yacht Club in Newport, RI. This event celebrated the iconic yacht designs of Sparkman & Stephens and provided an open exchange of experiences, perspectives and stories in a panel discussion format. The panel was moderated by Llewellyn Howland, a distinguished naval historian who has published a number of books including Yachting In America and On The Wind.
Reunited for an afternoon of engaging conversation was renowned Sparkman & Stephens alumni including Halsey Herreshoff, David Pedrick, Andy McGowan, Jim Teeters, Paul Buttrose and current Chief Designer Brendan Abbot. Each discussed the projects that were important to them during their tenure.
A Cocktail Reception followed the Design Discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport where participants were able to tour the 62' schooner Brilliant.
Additional design-centric events throughout the coming months will culminate with the festive, action-packed Designer Series Rendezvous which will take place June 27 to 30, 2019 at Ft. Adams in Newport, RI. The event will feature an international spectrum of famous yachts from around the world. All social events are open to the public.
Sparkman & Stephens designers, yacht owners, potential sponsors and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Carol Beecher at or by phone at 401-236-1866.
About the Designer Series
The Designer Series was created in 2016 by Andy Tyska of Bristol Marine to honor the vision, the legacy and the brilliance of iconic yacht designers from all over the world. The Designer Series pays tribute to a different designer over a two-year period. The event brings together all who share in the love of yachting including boat owners, marine industry professionals and the public to celebrate the designer's contributions to the world of yachting. Attendees enjoy both on the water and land-based festivities. An integral part of the Designer Series mission is to cultivate the designers of tomorrow through the Designer Series Scholarship & Mentoring Program.