Happy Birthday Olin!
Olin Stephens turned 100 years old on April 13, 2008. Here are two links with background information on his storied yacht design career:Sailing World
Scuttlebutt
Click on the comments link to send your birthday wishes.
posted by Blogger @ 3:42 PM
164 Comment(s)
Comments
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
164 Comments:
As the proud owner of design number 1628, NOVA built in 1961 let me say what an honor it is to sail her and what an inspiration you continue to be for all of us who love the beauty of sail! Happy Birthday!
Warmest Regards from all of the Schau's
Happy Birthday, Mr. Stephens. I was honored to have sailed with you, I believe back in 2000. It was your first time back on Valiant and there was excitement in the yard and from the Gregory Family. As I recall, we readied the nice stern chairs for the arrival the very esteemed guest of 92 and we were ready. Needless to say, the chairs were never used and Mr. Stephens was at the wheel in no time. It was a pleasure to have enjoyed the company of such a fine man.
As a Bayview Mackinac Old Goat we were regularly overtaken by Northern Light, usually before dusk on Saturday night. We didn't see many 12s on Lake Huron, but I will remember her gleaming wood topsides and graceful lines always.
Mr. Stephens! We think of you often...Each time we sail our Tartan 34-C. The S & S pedigree is the heart and soul of a great sailing boat. We have had her for 15 years. Indeed, we occasionally look at other boats but always come back to ours. They just don't design and build them like ours anymore. Jim & Betty Moran from Lake Michigan. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Excellent - you are a legend in your own time, a real feat.
Happy Birthday!
Hansen
Dear Mr. Stephens,
As a Junior I enjoyed only a couple years in Chicago in the Blue Jays ... and likely invented what's known today as the "roll tack" only because it felt cool to do and made my tacks faster than all the guys I was racing against! I enjoyed the progression of S&S designs that I lived as development and design history and applaud you for a lucky long lifetime of achievement. Gail McCarthy Turluck
Mr Stephens - A very Happy 100th Birthday from Kiran & Bill in RI!
Thank you for designing the Lightning....the best one-design class in the world. What a fantastic boat and class which has endured now 70 years.
Happy Birthday to an amazing Gentleman, who brought spectacular skill to his craft, and who clearly has made the world a far better place, on the water and off. Congratulations!
Olin, Thank you for everything you have given the world of sailing.
Last summer we had a reunion of the Intrepid-Constellation crews from 1967. Olin designed both boats so we invited him to Harbor Court , Newport to join us for dinner. Intrepid was tied up to the dock, so i walked Olin down to the edge of the dock, holding his arm to support him. Intrepid was about 3 feet below the dock level. I turned my back for a few seconds, and when I turned back, Olin had already climbed down unassisted onto Intrepid to chat with the crew. A pretty athletic 99 year old at the time. Looking back on it, I think Olin thought he was helping me walk down the dock.
Richard du Moulin
We have enjoyed our S&S designed Tartan 28 for over 20 years. Happy birthday - and thanks for your many contributions to sailing.
what a pleasure to wish happy birthday to the man who created so many of the fast and beautiful yachts whose names have become legend to every sailor. You have set the bar for every designer to come. Happy Birthday, Olin.
-Posy Dana
Mr.Stephens, Happy Birthday! You have given so much to so many sailors. You set a high bar in design and class! You are a true gentleman. I'm proud to have met you several years ago and sailed on some of the yachts you've designed.
Mr. Stevens, what an honor when in the early 70's and an owner of a "Weekender 37" I found my self on Madison Ave. and wandered into your office. Never expecting anything other than to stand in the door way and "soak it in". My friend and I were most taken aback when you came out and invited us into your office and spent a fair amount of your time answering our stupid questions? You sir, are indeed a gentleman...Happy Birthday!
Mr. Stephens, you have given so much to sailing...we wish you a happy birthday and many more. .
Dear Mr. Stephens--My heartiest congradulations on a long life of giving so many sailors the unique gift of the pleasure of sailing superlative boats of all types. A very Happy Birthday to you! Lydia Jewell
In 1974 at the age of 13 I learned to sail on a Lightning. What a profound affect that has had on my life. 34 years later I've got an old wooden Lightning in my garage slowly being restored and I've sailed countless boats over the years. Thank you for designing such a great boat (among your many!)
Congratulations on your 100th! It must be true that the God's do not subtract from your allotted time the hours spent sailing!
Happy birthday Mr. Stephens. I heard you talk at the RNZYS Auckland in the early 60's - memorable.
Derek Paterson
Olin,
Happy 100th Birthday!!! I know you
have said you were lucky in life to have a goal.... The yachting community has sure benefited from your luck. Good luck blowing out all the candles on your cake.
Greg Stewart
Mr. Stephens -
From a fellow naval architect, Happy Birthday. Your designs are timeless, and your work inspires us all.
Dear Mr. Olin Stephens,
Happy Birthday for the 100th time. In thinking of all that you have accomplished in your life, I find that I must thank you for your love of sailing, boats, and the beauty they exude. Most of all I thank you for putting a love into each and every one of your boats, especially Odyssey (built 1938 at Niven's Yard) as she changed my life. She currently is run as a Sea Scout boat in Tacoma, WA. As a teen I had the lucky and wonderful opportunity to find many paths in life that otherwise would have been sorely missed as a youth crew upon this wonderful vessel. The lady she was and is, taught me love of myself and a devout belief in good workmanship, trust and loyalty. An opinion that pure, good, working functionality is a beauty all in itself. And a love of water, design, and things that combine the both.
Mr Stephens, I have never had the opportunity to meet you in person but should you find yourself in Madison, WI. I would be happy to make you a birthday cake to celebrate a century of life.
With reverence,
Tanzsegler
"the dancing sailor"
You designed so many boats that were fast and REALLY BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for the humble honor of wishing you a Happy Birthday.
Dear Mr. Stephens:
You probably don't feel it, but I think it safe to say you are a legend and an icon.
Happy birthday!
I sailed on Sagittarius, a 1971 S&S 41 - all wood, still great to sail and FAST - in Les Voiles de St. Tropez last fall...we won our class and the race to St. Tropez from Cannes. The boat is great and we always have fun on Sagi! Happy Birthday and thanks for drawing such a great boat for us!
100 years and 10,000 boats - Happy Birthday Olin from Shanghai
Mr. Stephens, Congratulations on your centennial!
Thank you for your wonderful contributions to sailing.
G.O.
Congratulations to a LEGEND and have more wonderfull times
Antonio Bustorff Bello
"There is nothing like messing about in boats"
Happy Birhtday to a ledgend
Derek
An Exemplary professional career.
Best Wishes...
Dear Olin,
You ARE the best!
The world is a much better place with you in it. Your accomplishments have earned all our respect, admiration, and thanks for the superlative designs and virtuous character you've brought to our watery world.
Have a fantastic 100th birthday!
Jake
T34C#335
Heartfelt congratulations from a Kiwi long time admirer of your skills and lifetime contributions to the glorious sport of sailing. Your wondrously pleasing designs are a joy to behold!
Well Done OLin
Most hearty congratulations! Your design of BOLERO for my father absolutely changed the lives of our whole family. We were afloat before, but not really, really into all aspects of yacht racing. You and Rod have become central figures in all our judgments, ashore and afloat. We bless you for that!
Nicholas Brown, Newport, RI
Happy Birthday, I was an absolute pleasure meeting you and taking you sailing on Sleighride. Your speech at the S&S bash in Mystic still makes me chuckle. Guy
Happy Birthday to you on your Century achievement and thank you for gifts to the sailing world. Geoff Fraser, Workboats New Zealand.
Happy birthday! Just enjoy it!
An inspiration to every yacht designer. Happy Birthday!!!
Claudio
Happy Birthday from Italy, Mr. Stephens and thank you for all the beauty you created.
Luigi Zanardelli
CON TUTTO IL MIO AFFETTO DI SEMPRE
B.
Wow 100! Many congratulations. An inspiration to at least two generations of sailors and designers.
Craig D.
Happy birthday from a S&S 34 sailor. Muiden - The Netherlands
Have a wonderful birthday and thank you for the inspirational boats.
David Aisher
Happy Birthday, Mr Stephens.
My father owned a Sigma 36 "Swagman" built by Cheoy Lee Shipyard in Hong Kong.
I was 8 at the time and I used to love lying over the stern quarter watching how the water rushed past.
My father commissioned your office to design an IOR rig for her, and I remember how excited we all were when the plans arrived.
I have sailed Lightnings and I owned a wooden Blue Jay as well.
Thanks for all your beautiful boats.
Three cheers to you sir!
Happy Birthday Mr Stephens,
As a young couple we owned an S&S30 which we sailed far and wide. Whilst in NY, we rather cheekily phoned the S&S office to ask some questions about the boat. We were amazed and delighted when you yourself were put on the line to answer everything with great clarity and patience.
We have been 'brand loyal' ever since!
All the best
Jim and Charlotte.
Happy Birthday!!... May you enjoy many more and know the joy you have brought to many sailors.. having seen many of them and knowing Stormy Weathers transom VERY well...
Congratulations!
John Holmberg
St. Thomas, VI
Dear Golden,
Happy 100th from all the Whiddens. Many thanks for your wonderful friendship, warmth and great designs!
Happy Birthday, thanks for all you have done.
Bob Getty
Happy 100th! Thanks for all you have done and continue to do!
Mike
Marblehead, MA
It was a highlight several years back to tour the Milne restoration with you at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda. You made a suggest on reinforcing the permanent backstay that has been implemented! I have always admired your fair hull shapes that are one with the water. Happy Birthday.
Sincerely,
Malcolm Kirkland
Happy Birthday, Olin! It was a one-time honor to meet you in Annapolis, and a lifetime of pleasure to see your artwork slip quietly in and out of the harbor.
Only the best,
Dan Walker
Annapolis
Congratulations on all you have given us. I feel very lucky to have been able to work with you and learn from you.
Sam "Wheels" Wakeman
Happy, happy birthday! Our lives would not be the same without the grace of the vessels you created, your tireless efforts on behalf of the sport or your warmth of spirit. Best wishes from the Homers of Southwest Harbor.
I had the pleasure of sailing with you in San Diego onboard one of your designs, Brushfire, now owned by Dennis Conner. What a great day and one I will be forever greatful for having. You are an inspiration to us all Olin. Many happy returns.
KG
Thank you for your beautiful boats! They have made the world a better place. Happy birthday!
Lin McCarthy, Hampton, Virginia
Happy Birthday Mr. Stephens. I was lucky enough to sail aboard Beayondan and Baybea for a year and it was a pleasure. Congratulations on 100 years!
Jon, BVI
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Thank you Olin for turning yacht design into an ART FORM.. Thoughout your life, you have brought the most graceful sets of lines to water. The world is in your debt.
Capt'n Don Senecal
Mr. Stephens, we have never met, but I am Charlie Poor's son, and I know that he held you in the highest regard. Personally, I feel fortunate to be the steward of a lovely Tartan 34C, and I thank you for knowing a long time ago just exactly the type of saiboat I'd want now. If ever there was an industry that stands on the shoulders of giants, your shoulders have lifted the design of sailboats to dizzying heights.
Alfred Poor
1973 T34C #288, “Jambalaya”
Olin,
Happy Birthday from all your friends at the Newport Bermuda Race. After almost 80 years, your designs continue to be powerful examples of fast, seaworthy offshore yachts.
What a wonderful legacy you have created for us all!
All the best,
Nick Nicholson
Chairman, Newport Bermuda Race 2008
Dear Mr. Stephens,
Congratulations !! As I approach the 50 year mark, I can honetly say that I have been following and admiring your work since I was able to read and look at boat pictures. I have only owned one S & S design (Tartan 30),which I loved - I think about that boat often and really do appreciate the great all-around qualities she had. You are an inspiration for all of us. Happy Birthday Greetings from Peter Stark Newport, RI
Happy Birthday from the MIT Sailing Family. Thank you for the inspiration!
-MIT Sailing Pavilion
Congradulations! We are proud to have been involved with your work and the sport to which you have contributed so much.
From your friends at the Herreshoff Marine Museum and Americas Cup Hall of Fame.
Thank you for creating the Tartan 37. With her centerboard she is the perfect boat for our shallow Florida waters. Racing or cruising we love her. Cheers! s/v Grrrrr
Having owned several wonderful S&S designs, and admired your work for my lifetime, I can only thank you for all that you have given to the sport of sailing, and wish you the Happiest of brithdays.
Dear Sir Olin Stephens,
What a milestone!!! I enjoyeed the speech that you made this past summer in Halifax and hung on every word. Looking forward to seeing you again in Bermuda. The next time you are speaking with God, please ask him to look over all of your cherished sailboats... and even the other ones that were designed to go downwind!
Have a great 100th,
Pete Rebovich Jr.
Olin, You are my hero - in fact, everyone's hero.
Best wishes, Owen, from 'Chicane' in Bermuda (1926 Mylne cutter under restoration) and the Reid Kempe family.
Olin,
Thank you for leading the way for many of us to enjoy decades of offshore ocean racing and the wonderful cruising that accompanies it.
Fondly,
Dan and Mimi Dyer
To a man who followed his dream and taught us all about being a gentleman in the process, thank you for your accomplishments and your example, God bless you and Happy Birthday!
Happy 100th Olin-
We often think of the AC trials of Constellation when we finally got the "secret Weapon" (the Trimsail speedometer) to tell us the proper sail trim, etc.
Long before the days of on-board computers, your intuitive vision for what worked left a lasting impression on all of us. Good health to you.
Dick Condon, Punta Gorda, FL
think back on all the great times my family and I have spent in S&S designs. My Dad crewed on the Taylor's 72' yawl Baruna, crewing for Mr. Madden's on his Swan 48, the Swan 36 I owned. my son winning his fleet at the Blue Jay Nationals, the boats you designed for my grandfather, but my greatest joy is sailing a Dark Harbor 20. What a fantastic boat. Your designs always a joy to be aboard. Thank you and Happy Birhtday.
Thank you and Happy Birthday!
Gordon
Happy Birthday Olin. How about 100 more. We hope to see you in San Diego this summer.
Ian and Shala Lawrence
Happy Birthday Mr. Stephens. Thank you for your designs and ideas.
Happy Birthday Olin,
One of my greatest pleasures and previledges was getting to know you with our work on the Advisory Board of the Design Program at the Landing School, and that we were able to talk cars a little bit in my Miata as we rode back and forth to our meetings. Many happy returns of the day. Eric Sponberg.
Happy birthday, Mr. Stephens. Living on Manhasset Bay we get to see your MBOs in action, and they still look as beautiful today as they did when they were first launched.
The Hodson family
Happy Birthday! The Lightning remains one of the greatest classes on earth, and every other S&S design is the embodiment of grace. Thank you for everything, and here's to 100 more!
Jamie
Charleston / New York City
Olin,
Happy Birthday!
Keep them fine and keep them fast!
Craig
I've sailed on a number of your designs, and envied those sailing on many more.
Happy Birthday
Charlie Iliff
Happy B-Day from x-owner of 72' yawl Windigo built in 1938.
I've enjoyed time on Zimba and Ranger.
What beautiful boats!
THANK YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for providing the sailors of the world with the most beautiful, fast and seaworthy sailing ships - many of which have been sailing for many years and will continue for many to come. Your life, vision and hard work is a standard which few have ever matched.
Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday,
As the proud owner for Columbia, your 1958 masterpiece, we continue to enjoy racing her in Newport and The Islands and show off her ageless beauty and speed. We are celebrating her 50th birthday this summer and hope to see you in Newport.
Best Regards,
Alain Hanover
Olin
Congrats on 100 years and still sailing
Former crew member on Djnn/Narraganset
Jim Eddy CCA So Cal
Happy Birthday and congratulations on your first hundred. I true milestone and well deserved.
As a young naval arch intern, I vividly remember taking my first nervous steps into the S&S office at 79 Madison back in 1984. Your brother Rod greeted me with an iron-grip handshake, and Bill Langan and Jim Teeters kindly took me under their wing. You popped into the office a few weeks later and delighted us all with the story of a long-ago offshore sailing adventure.
As time has gone by, you yourself have been largely responsible for the choices that I have made in my career, and for the fun and good fortune that I have had. Certainly, any designer could certainly look to your track record of successful boats for inspiration. But more than that, your continued passion for learning, teaching, and sharing at this late stage of life exemplifies one's most noble achievements, as does your always having a soft-spoken and kind word for friends and acquaintances both old and new.
For that, Olin, I thank you. As your horizons loom closer, please know that you have left a sea of shining inspiration in your wake.
Continued smooth sailing,
T.J. Perrotti
Perrotti Performance Design, LLC
Happy Birthday from the team at SpinSheet Magazine in Annapolis!
WELL DONE!!
Bloody well done!
I hope someone, some day, may say the same about me...
Happy Birthday Olin - The beauty that you have added to the world is so commendable - thanks!
Olin - I fondly remember those wonderful years we spent together toiling over the demise of the IOR the birth and shaping of IMS as members of the ORC and the US Sailing IMS committee. Those organizations were filled with stars as members, Jim McCurdy, Charlie Poor, Jim Teeters, Karl Kirkman .... but you were always the super nova of the group.
fondest wishes upon reaching the century mark - I trust you have given up driving!!!
Neil Siegel
Happy Birthday Mr. Stephens,
If you happen to be near Skaneateles, NY on July 4th weekend come and join us for the Lightning 70th anniversary regatta. There will be hundreds of us holding a party to honor your work.
Thank you for such a wonderful and enduring boat!
Lightning 15165
Olin - I know you take richly deserved pride in your design work, but the yachting world will also remember you as one of its most admired, respected and beloved human beings. Happy birthday. -- Tom Leweck
Dear Mr. Stephens,
Since I started following the America's Cup in the 1950s, you have been the THE sail boat designer of all time. Add that to the fact that you are also a fine gentleman, you have my best wishes on your 100th. Congratulations.
Mark Manroe
Granbury, Texas
Dear Olin,
Perhaps our proudest moment in racing occurred last Summer in Halifax when you presented us the inaugural Olin J. Stephens Trophy.
Your off-the-cuff comment, as I proceeded to the stage, "it being nice to see an old guy, like me, still out there racing and winning" put a smile on my face and gave everyone a good laugh.
The crew of Sinn Fein, sail # 1818,
are looking forward to seeing you again in Bermuda and offer congratulations on your 100th birthday.
Peter S. Rebovich Sr.
happy birthday olin, i sail on todays ranger for john williams. it is such an amazing beast it's amazing you designed it so many years ago. all the best
scott cavanough
Happy Birthday Olin,
As a Head Sailing Coach at MIT, I am proud to say that my desk is the Olin Stephens ('30) office of the MIT Sailing Pavilion. 100, wow, that's a lot of candles.
-Matt Cohen
Happy Birthday to a foundation of Yachting History. May you live long and well.
Olin,
We met in Annapolis more than 20 years ago. I often remember the long chat we had, your insights on sailing's multiple facets, and the clarity of your words.
Hope to see you soon!
From across the pond, Happy B-Day.
Orlando Leitão
Faro, Portugal
Dear Mr. Stephens,
We shared a nice dinner together at the Saint Francis YC Stag Cruise a couple of years ago. I was in awe then and the feeling has not changed a bit.
Congratulations on 100!
Scott Gordon
Olin,
I know of two exemplary and influential Americans who share your birthday (which is not to say that there may not be others). I am too young to have known Thomas Jefferson, but I was thrilled to be introduced to you, on CHAPARONE in ’64, and have been happy to share time with you, on and off the water, ever since. I look forward to doing so again soon.
Congratulations on this landmark birthday!
Cheers, de
Happy Birthday Olin - You have given so much to the sport of sailing. It is an honor to know you. God Bless
Ding & Treecie Schoonmaker
Congratulations on an amazing life , a yachting Icon
Rob Walker
New Zealand
Happy Birthday Olin,
You are truly an inspiration and made such a difference in the lives of thousands of sailors.
Thanks. We want to know your secret!
J Port Annapolis
Olin - On behalf of all the Alf Loomis clan - Happy Birthday!!!!
Worth Loomis
Happy Birthday! Such beautiful and fast boats...
Wow. To think how many lives you have not only touched but really made better, more exciting, is mind boggling. A T-10 was my first experience on the water, and has defined my sailing career ever since - a brilliant winner at all times, with a grace and elegance all her own. I am grateful for all you have provided this world of ours - fom all of us, a humble, respectful, happy 100!
- Bruhn Family, Port Jefferson NY
Mr. Stephens,
Happy birthday, and happy centennial! You and your designs been an inspiration to me as a sailor and hobbyist naval architect for the better part of my life - as i'm sure they have to others as well. Thank you for everything you have done to shape the sport I love so much.
Best Regards,
Justin Shaffer
Mr Stephens, I was honoured to have spent a day with you watching the Rolex Swan American Regatta in Newport a few years ago. I remain in awe of all that you have achieved and what you have inspired in our sport.
Happy 100th Birthday!
Jennifer Hall
trimsailing
Florence, Italy
Happy Birthday,
Our family has gained great pleasure from a Hinckley Pilot and a series of Lightnings. Thank you for creating such great boats.
Ginny Welles and Dwight Gertz
Olin-
Thank you for the fine art you have created.
Happy Birthday.
Kip Wiley
Every time I sail or see a lightning I wonder what the sailing community would be like with out this super SS design.
Happy Birthday Olin
The Hinze's
Olin - thanks for being an inspiration to us all. And congratulations on arriving at this milestone! Diane, Calif.
Hi Olin:
Thank you for setting such a professional example for the many yacht designers to follow.
Bill Lee
Happy Birthday Olin and congratulations. After you blow out the candles let's go to the Newport Creamery for an "Awful Awful".
Cheers ~ Charley Morgan
Happy Bithday from the great white north.I am a very proud owner of a S&S designed Northstar 1500.
A great boat that I have sailed for 21 years.
Thank you for such a good boat.
Dear Olin,
You have encouraged and educated me in invaluable ways. I consider your autobiography my manual of how to conduct myself as a yacht designer, and your book of Lines one of my primary sources of inspiration. Thank you for all that you have given me. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday.
Best Wishes,
David McCollough
When you've reached your hundredth year, a simple "Happy Birthday" should be all you need!
A Mere Shipwright
Best wishes...I put your treats in the mail I hope they don't melt. Capt Bud Scelsa in Honolulu
Congrats Mr. Stephans on hitting the century mark!
I like many others have sailed on some of your designs over the years and still remark how great they were then and still are!
Richard Collins
Kings Point '66
Just another fan of yours wanting to thank you for all you have done for sailing and sailboats. Congratulations and thank you, thank you, thank you.
Keith
Happy Birthday, Olin -- I have heard about you my whole life. My mother was Sis Hovey Morss and she was very fond of you. Regards, Deedee Morss Decker, Denver
Happy birthday and congrats on the 100 yr mark. Thank you for all your contributions to sailing, the centerpiece being your design work. I know phrases like "timeless classic", masterpiece(s) and creative genius are probably well used/over used, but I can't think of better descriptions of your creations and the man behind them.
Happy Birthday 100th...what a great life...Charlie Legeman
I started sailing in 1938 out of Horseshoe Harbor in Larchmont, and you were legend. Thank you and Happy Birthday!
My first trip on a boat of any size was on a NY 32 GENTIAN and my first race was on a NY 32 TRIG doinmg the Hampton Race out of Annapolis.
I remember well your comment after COLUMBIA won the Cup in 1958, when asked, "can you design a faster 12 Meter"--with a big grin you said, "I already have"!!
Keep going OLIN!!!!
My first trip on a boat of any size was on a NY 32 GENTIAN and my first race was on a NY 32 TRIG doinmg the Hampton Race out of Annapolis.
I remember well your comment after COLUMBIA won the Cup in 1958, when asked, "can you design a faster 12 Meter"--with a big grin you said, "I already have"!!
Keep going OLIN!!!!
Happy Birthday Olin
Many great years for a Great Man
Sam and Linda Trimingham Warriner
Mr Stephens. Happy Birthday I sailed with you on Mike Swerdlow's S&S 50 Aries in the SORC. It was the Miami Nassau race in 1976, It was a tough race 35 to 45 kts of wind in the gulf stream .The old saying the tougher the race the tougher the man, was an example you set for all of us on board including Chuck Sadler, John Marshall, Andy McGowen, David Kilponen and the rest of the ARIES crew . Thanks for the experience and the memory.
Roger LeBlanc
Happy Birthday and thanks for your great designs!
Olin,
Happy Birthday.
Next time you are in San Diego
please come sailing with us on Pacifica. We will bake your favorite cake onboard.
Doug & Deb
S/V Pacifica (Ex Eroica)
S&S Design 622
Dear Mr. Stephens:
Congratulations on the centennial anniversary of your birth. I thank you and the powers that be for choosing yacht design as your life's passion and profession. As a sailor for nearly 50 years and a yacht broker for the last 15, I've become acquainted with your designs and love the timeless aspect of your creations. We once sold a Tartan 46 to a young couple who had, just the previous year, bought a 27' starter. They fell in love with sailing and ventured into the Pacific and beyond aboard "Clare." I was a frequent crew member aboard the boat and loved her sailing characteristics, especially the touch at the helm. Best wishes to you.
George Gaw, Sailboat Sales Co., Chicago
Happy Birthday:
We love our Tartan 37 even moreevery time we sail it. Hope I age as well as your great design.
Dave and Nancy
Best wishes for a very happy birthday from your friends and admirers at the National Maritime Historical Society.
Ronald Oswald, Chairman
Mr.Stephens we sailed together on a Swan 65 'Cyclos' in the 1985 Sardinia Cup. I was a young eager sailor, anxious to become a Yacht captain and accomplished yacht racer.
We spoke at length about the choice of career and your advice and wisedom allowed me to full fill my dreams of being both a good captain and accomplised racer.
I wish you the very best birthday possible and many more to come.
Capt.J.R.Chandler
Mr. Stephens,
I wish to thank you for the many times you have created happiness in my life, during my unforgetable summer at S & S as an engineering intern, inviting me to come on board "Intreid" while she was at the Henry Nevins yard, and for designing my wonderful sailing Lightening and my
Tartan 37 which took us through a hurricane en route to Bermuda.
In the yachting community you will always be an inspiration.
Sicerest wishes for a Happy Birthday
Dear Olin,
Your life and career have been an inspiration to me for sure. You can continue celebrating both with no regrets, wonderful memories and a well deserved sense of satisfaction.
Happy Birthday,
Tom Schnackenberg
Happy Birthday Olin from a happy sailor of the original S&S designed Venturosa come Christine. We had more fun with that boat all the while enjoying what had been designed into her from the past. Thanks again from a very satisfied sailor!
Many happy returns. Thank you for all that you have given to yachting. Yours has been an exemplary career and a life well lived. Best wishes for more to come.
Colin
Happy Birthday Olin,
I cannot count the ways I learned from you in your patient way over many years, and you know how much I admire the beauty of your yachts, but most of all, I value your commitment to doing the right thing.
Karl Kirkman
So many things we can thank you for, but most of all for the pleasure of knowing you.
Dave Rosekrans
My first boat was a Lightning that needed much work, donated to me by a boss when I was 14. That boat changed my life and made me a sailor forever. Thank you.
Thank you for all your beautiful boats and for affecting all of our lives in such positive ways. Best wishes for a very Happy Birthday and many more great times sailing!
Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Stephens,
Thank you for ALL of your design/sailing/story-telling skills.
Truly a couple of generations of sailing embodied in 1 fine, gracious gentleman.
Sincerely,
Fred Lewis
Happy Birthday, Mr. Stephens!
Your 12 meters are beautiful. Thank you for all your contributions to our sport!
Best,
Alex
Having sailed the S&S Yawl Adios for a summer and the present owner of Obsession, the 70' mini maxi, you are a tribute to great yachting.
Happy Birthday Olin !
As the proud owner of S&S design
#1757.1 Alpha I wish you a very Happy Birthaday and commend you for all of the wonderful yachts
you have designe
Congratulations Mr Stephens, your contribution to sailing and your enthusiasm for all that is good in our sport, is inspirational. The International Metre Classes owe you a great debt. Thankyou.
The British International Six Metre Association
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLWAYS.
BEST WISHES
C PUGA
A new generation of yachting was born when Edward Heath won the Sydney to Hobart race in 1969 in his S & S 34
He may have enjoyed success with his later Morning Cliouds, but everyone remebres that Earls Court Boart show when everyone spoke of that win two weeks before in a production boat from that genius Olin Stephens
He also graced the 150th anniversary of the Americas Cup at Cowes-a very proud man.
Martin UK
Happy Birthday!
You are immense! During your 100 years, you’ve enriched the lives of those fortunate to have known you, sailed your vessels or that have been inspired by your absolute dedication to our wonderful sport.
Thank you. From a 20 year owner of BobKat II (your 1931 designed 6 meter).
Mr. Olin,
Happy birhtday and thank you for all the wonderfull boats you created.I sailed one of your design's in Brazil and was very happy with that Yacht.
Gunther Weber.
My wife and I love our Sailmaster 22. Your contributions to speed and grace will always be with us! Happy Birthday!
Dear Olin Stephens,
Happy Birthday and best wishes and continued good health on cracking the century.
I have sailed thousands of miles on GERMANIA VI (your first all welded aluminum boat)around Europe, the Atlantic and the Caribbean. best sea boat ever. From all the many young people who have enjoyed her good looks, speed and seaworthiness during those years heartfelt best wishes.
Gunther E. Hering
Hamburg / Germany
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I WAS LUCKY TO SPEND 6 MONTHS AILING ON BARUNA, BUILT IN 1938, 72 FOOT YAWL. THIS WAS A TRUE RACING MACHINE. WISH I COULD MEET YOU, I MA A MARINE SURVEYOR IN SAN FRANCISCO AREA. KEEP GOING, ODUS HAYES.
Congratulations on your birthday and thank you for all of the grace and beauty that you have brought into the world!
Jim Fulton
Dear Olin,
What I remarkable life you've had so far! While the birthday is #100, you're #1 for the joys and inspiration that so many beneficiaries of your talent and kindness have already expressed in these well-deserved accolades, and in having provided such memorable experiences that many of us have been privileged to share with you. You have been my #1 mentor from boyhood to each day since. I look forward to seeing you on the water this summer - all this and sailing, too.
With sincerest best wishes,
David Pedrick
Dear Mr. Stephens,
A wonderful "Happy Birthday" to you from the Dalton family in San Diego. We so enjoyed spending time with you and Rusty at Pacifica's 60th birthday last year. Lastly a BIG Thank You for all that you have contributed to the wonderful sport of yachting. Your passion and dedication to excellence is the greatest gift to the world. Warm regards, The Dalton Family
On behalf of S/V Black Spirit, design 1557 C2 we wish you the happiest of birthdays.
David and Claudia
HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY MR. STEPHENS
Was a pleasure to meet you at AMERICA'S CUP JUBILEE in 2001.
Love your boat designs......pure genius.
Mary Longpre
Dear Mr Stephens, I wish you a very happy birthday and will drink a toast to your good health. It was a great pleasure to meet you in Estoril last November, however it is your complements on a paper I gave at the Chesapeake sailing Symposium in the 1970s, that is one of my treasured memories. comming from someone of your great stature that was truely memorable
Olin,
All best wishes on your birthday. I have been sailing your designs all my life, from Blue Jays and Lightning as a kid to various 12 Meters and most recently Intrepid for the last 10 years. Your designs have brought great joy to us all, great speed on the race course and great handling in the open ocean. We look forward to seeing you this summer.
Cheers,
Scott
Mr. Stephens,
Happy Birthday, and thanks for designing the Yankee 30 and the Tartan 37. Our family has greatly enjoyed racing and cruising these fine boats in the Pacific Northwest since 1975. We are big fans of S&S yachts.
The International Lightning Class Association wishes you a Happy Birthday. We are over 2000 members strong with almost 150 Active Fleets around the world. Thank you!
Jan Davis
International Lightning Class Association Secretary
Dear Olin,
We wish you the very best for the coming year and hope to see you again in San Diego soon.
CF, Carolyn Koehler
Post a Comment
<< Home