50’ Catamaran Sparkman & Stephens

Since 1929, and now their first multihull!

The famous American naval architect firm based in Newport, Rhode Island is best known for its prestigious monohulls such as the J Class Ranger and the 12-metres, Intrepid and Courageous. Since 1929, founders Olin Stephens and Drake Sparkman have printed their famous S&S on hundreds of plans.

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Published 01/03/2021

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: 176

Published: mar. / apr. 2021

Discover this issue

Bought out by a group of investors in 2016, the firm has announced that it is opening up to new projects, including power boats. But the surprise for us is this very elegant 50-foot catamaran. For Sparkman & Stephens, designing a multihull is a first, but the most interesting aspect of this project is the neo-classical style chosen for the superstructure. Successfully, the “New England” inspiration they assert is in fact quite close to the design of the ‘runabouts’ of the 1950s and 60s!

www.sparkmanstephens.com