“The Association is a worldwide club of owners of sailing and motor craft designed by the New York naval architects, Sparkman & Stephens Inc.
It was formed in England at the Cowes Classics Rally of 1993 by four devoted owners of S&S designed cruiser-racers, but it quickly expanded to encompass owners and lovers of sailing craft of S&S design in many countries.
Some 300 members share a love for the fast, sea-worthy and beautiful yachts designed by Sparkman & Stephens. For more than 90 years and over 2700 designs for pleasure, commercial and military use. These designs have won countless races from the America’s Cup to local events and with it, international acclaim.
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A Message from our Chairman
In a world when fashions come and go, the designs of Olin Stephens and his team set the highest benchmark for the very best in design. His gift for design was demonstrated for many years with success in almost every type of boat that he and his team designed. As time passes, the relative quality of his designs gets more and more obvious combining fast boats which are very seaworthy with the construction and accommodation details overseen by his brother Rod.
I have owned Sparkman and Stephens designs for the last 35 years starting with a Swan 37 which was a sistership to the One Ton cup winner Rainbow; onto the 41 which was a minimum sized Admiral’s Cup racer; followed by a centreboard version of the Swan 47 (also known as the New York Yacht Club 48); and most recently, his last design for Nautor Swan, designed at the time of his retirement, the Swan 76 based loosely on his Maxi Champion Kialoa 111.
All of these designs reflect a passion for excellence, and it has been great to see all of these boats with active owners who are still seeing success – both racing and cruising. Our Association consists of enthusiasts who appreciate the best and who are keen to support each other and to learn more about the many boats from Sparkman & Stephens.
Gavin Howe - Chairman