Since the establishment of Sparkman & Stephens, the firm has successfully completed over 2700 designs for pleasure, commercial, and military use. These designs have won countless races and international acclaim around the world. For the past 75 years, we have successfully blended our extensive knowledge of yacht design for both power and sail to develop unique and innovative solutions for our clients.

That tradition continues today. Our designers use advanced techniques such as 3-D modeling, velocity prediction programs and finite-element analysis in conjunction with time-honored methods like model tank testing and real-world sailing comparisons to develop highly capable and successful designs. Similarly, our brokers go aboard each boat they represent, while taking advantage of access to a world-wide database of brokerage and charter listings. We offer unparalleled experience and expertise in creating or locating the boat that is just right for you.

We specialize in the complete design and engineering of new vessels for pleasure, commercial, and military use. We also offer similar design and engineering services for the performance optimization and enhancement of existing yachts.

We offer exceptional support to owners of existing S & S designs. Our offices are available to assist in whatever capacity that is required. This includes historical data, technical data, and the reproduction of available plans or advice. We also offer plan packages for existing designs for those wishing to recreate a classic beauty. Please feel free to contact us by telephone or by email and we will be more than happy to help in any way that we can.

We offer a complete yacht brokerage services for our clients, handling boats of all types and sizes, and representing both buyers and sellers. This includes yacht marketing, advertising, listing services and re-sale support.

As part of our brokerage listings, we are pleased to arrange charter opportunities for clients on both crewed and bare-boat vessels around the world.

We also offer full marine insurance coverage for yachts of all types, providing protection and added security for your investments – no matter wherever your voyages may take you.

History

Olin J. Stephens and Roderick Stephens, Jr. entered the marine industry at an early age – Olin apprenticing in yacht design under Phillip Rhodes, and Rod working at the legendary Nevins Yard in City Island, New York. With his father’s backing, the 21-year old Olin entered into a partnership with the already successful yacht broker Drake Sparkman, and Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. was formed.

But the success of the company was far from assured. In fact, just months after opening for business, the financial crisis of the Great Depression swept the global market. In spite of this, the Stephens’ father ordered a design for a racing yacht from the young firm – a yacht named Dorade. The gamble paid off. As her first major test, Dorade won the much-publicized 1931 Trans-Atlantic Race. That victory launched the design reputation of Sparkman & Stephens – and set a course for the firm that would last more than half a century. Together Olin and Rod Stephens formed a team that literally changed the face of yachting forever, creating good solid racing and cruising designs that helped to popularize the sport.

Since the establishment of Sparkman & Stephens, the firm has successfully completed over 2600 designs and related assignments in the pleasure, commercial and military sectors. Best known for the design of sailing yachts, the firm has branched out as it has continued to grow over the years. Today the company is organized into two departments, one focused on design, naval architecture and marine engineering and the other handling the brokerage, charter, and insurance of yachts.

Throughout the years, many people have shared in building the history of Sparkman & Stephens. Designers, engineers and draftsmen worked diligently behind the scenes to help ensure the success of the company. We have compiled a short list of these people.