Stephens Waring Yacht Design, in collaboration with C.W. Hood Yachts and Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, brings to life this contemporary, one-of-a-kind reinterpretation of the classic Downeast style, a Spirit of Tradition design for weekend cruising and entertaining family and friends. The lucky few that can embark on the adventure of a custom yacht build usually have specific goals that bring them to our shop. The owners of the Hood 57 are no different. With many well-appointed power-yachts available on today’s market, why go custom with CW Hood Yachts? The owner worked with C.W. Hood because he had owned smaller Hood-built boats previously […]
Modern Wood Mast: A Photo Essay
If you’re a regular reader of our newsletter, you’re familiar with our work, our yachts and our Spirit of Tradition approach to design. You’ll have noticed that several times a year, we’re able to share with you our enthusiasm as proud owners take to the seas with our latest collaborations. Yachts that combine the very latest technology and engineering with the soul and aesthetic of the classic yacht era. In August we did just that, sharing with you the launch of s/y Italmas, a collaboration with Michigan-based Van Dam Custom Boats. But Italmas was more than a Spirit of Tradition […]
Inside Marjorie with Scot Tempesta
If you’re a fan of yachts and yachting, there’s a good chance that like us, you’re a fan of Scot Tempesta’s great work with the Sailing Anarchy website. So when we heard that Scot was featuring a walk-through of Marjorie on his YouTube page (subscribe here) we were thrilled. Like many of our designs, Marjorie was custom-tailored to meet specialized wishes of her owner. Our client demanded particular arrangements for both interior layout and the sailing platform; for a custom project these kinds of choices are very personal. Her owner loves solid, seaworthy boats from the 1930’s—loves their looks, loves […]
Stephens Waring Yacht Design and Van Dam Custom Boats Launch Italmus
The S/Y Italmas illustrates the many elements found within a bespoke project coming into alignment: committed, thoughtful owner, exceptional craftsmen, and innovative design team. From the beginning, her owner aimed for leveraging Van Dam Custom Boats’ remarkable ability to shape wood, metal and ideas to create a throwback sailing yacht – a strong, sturdy cruising vessel in the manner of a century ago, but with cutting-edge performance due to the careful use of the best materials and modern construction methods. We tend to make the shortlist for designers when sailing enthusiasts begin looking for a shop who can put thoughtful design to […]
A Conversation With James Betts Enterprises
Our firm is currently collaborating with the innovative James Betts Enterprises, Inc. on the beautiful Spirit-of-Tradition yacht, Cirrus. We introduced you to JBE last month and since then, we’ve talked with them further about the process they go through when taking a boat from dream to reality. Tell us what happens when a designer brings a client to you? We approach every new potential project with a critical eye and an open mind. This allows us to understand the client’s dream, see the designer’s vision, and determine the logistics and feasibility of turning an idea into a tangible product. […]
Betts Boats, an Introduction
Just over 2 hours north of Seattle sits the small town of Anacortes, Washington, known as the “Gateway to the San Juan Islands.” It is home to James Betts Enterprises, Inc., a family owned and operated boat building company specializing in custom racing and cruising yachts. With 40+ years in the business, JBE custom yachts have been raced in prestigious events around the globe including the America’s Cup, Admiral’s Cup, and Around Alone. Even more impressive is their commitment to making a custom yacht a viable option to a wider audience. Utilizing their “Integrated Project Delivery” system, Betts has streamlined […]
An Interview with SEASE, an Italian Activewear Brand
Often we will come across something, at an event, through a conversation or in print, that piques our interest to the extent that it requires further investigation. When we heard that there was an Italian activewear line that creates foul weather gear that is as stylish and functional off the water as on, we were intrigued. We soon learned that SEASE, the name a combination of ‘sea’ and ‘ease’, is a brand that caters to the active lifestyle. Their premier lines are sailing, skiing and urban sportswear. SEASE co-owners and brothers, Franco Loro Piana and Giacomo Loro Piana graciously agreed […]
Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
The Camden Classics Cup, July 25-27, 2019 About 20 miles from our office sits the picturesque town of Camden, Maine. With the Camden Hills to the west and the Penobscot Bay to the east, Camden lives up to its reputation as the “Jewel of Maine.” It is an incredible place to sail and, with full cooperation from Mother Nature, it was the perfect location for the fourth annual Camden Classics Cup. This newer regatta on the classics circuit has the distinction of being the first classic regatta of the season. As a result, it is a reunion of sorts. […]