The legacy of renowned naval architect Bill Langan (1955 -2010) will live on not only in the yachts that he designed over a career that spanned more than three decades — first as a designer with Sparkman & Stephens and then as principal of Langan Design Associates, Inc. — but also in the yachts that will be completed and conceptualized going forward by the newly formed Langan Design Partners LLC, headquartered in Newport, R.I.
Langan passed away on December 31, 2010, after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia, and it was his hope that his office continue serving current and future clients after his death. To that end, his long-time associates Thomas Degrémont, Antonio Ferrer, and Samuel Howell have formed an equal partnership that will move forward with the same vision and purpose that has been cultivated over their 32 years of combined dedication to Langan Design.
“It is an honor for our team to carry on in Bill’s name, continuing with our collective commitment to delivering exceptional designs,” said Sam Howell, explaining that while attention to style, technology and seaworthiness has been the basis of the firm’s design philosophy for 15 years, developing personal relationships with owners has been at the core of the Langan Design approach. “Each of our designs is a true reflection of the owner’s vision, a product of an in-depth and meaningful collaboration.”
Howell added that Candace Langan, Bill’s wife and the principal of Candace Langan Interior Decoration will continue her yacht interior decoration business out of the Langan Design office in Newport. “We work jointly on many projects, and she works closely with her clientele to create a timeless style based on individual tastes and needs, for both new construction and refit projects.”
Langan Design Partners is an internationally recognized full-service naval architecture and yacht design office with the capacity to take on all aspects of the development of luxury yachts and commercial vessels from early concept to detailed engineering, incorporating 3D modeling, interior and exterior styling, performance and sea-keeping analysis.
The Partners
Tom Degrémont (Wakefield, R.I.)—Degrémont studied naval architecture and ship design at the University of Southampton in England, earning his Masters of Engineering.
Born in Paris, he spent his childhood summers sailing and diving along the Brittany coast. His first job was as a reserve officer in the French Navy, working as a naval architect in the submarine refit design office in Toulon.
In late 1996, Degrémont’s passion for technology pushed his career in a new direction when he joined a small Internet company as a technology consultant, then became a director of product development following its acquisition by AOL.
By 2003, the urge to return to naval architecture could no longer be ignored, and it was then that Degrémont joined the Langan Design team.
While at Langan Design, Degrémont was the lead designer on a range of projects, from the 100′ steel sail training schooner Argo to the modern 83’ sailing sloop Angel. His most recent projects include the refit and extension of a 130’ A&R motor yacht and the super-structure modeling and styling of a 180’ motor yacht.
Tony Ferrer (Newport, RI)–Ferrer holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and studied at the Westlawn School of Yacht Design.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, he grew up sailing and worked at various shipyards designing and building yachts eventually leading to the formation of his own design office. In addition to having designed various racing yachts that he campaigned around the globe, Ferrer also has worked on a wide range of custom and production sailing yachts, motor yachts and commercial work boats.
Ferrer worked with Bill Langan at Sparkman & Stephens for over 10 years before moving to Newport to join Langan Design in 1988. Some of his recent projects include the 105’ motor yacht Cassiopeia; the 145’ motor yacht Calliope; which was recently nominated for a Neptune award; a pair of luxury custom yacht tenders; and the styling of EOS, a 310’ three-masted schooner.
Motor Yacht Calliope -a finalist for Neptune Trophy at World Superyacht Awards - Credit Nicolas Claris
Sam Howell (Middletown, R.I.)–Howell holds a diploma in Yacht Design from Southampton Institute in England as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana).
Growing up sailing on the waters of Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts) sparked Howell’s interest in yachts that grew to a passion for both racing and cruising. He has an extensive sailing résumé that includes working as a professional yacht captain and crew on various racing sailboats competing in international races worldwide. He worked at Pedrick Yacht Designs for seven years, adding participation on two America’s Cup design teams to his experience.
Howell joined Langan Design when it first opened in 1997 and has since designed a wide range of custom and production sailing and motor yachts, including the 130’ classic styled ketch Victoria of Strathearn; the 78’ IMS Maxi Yacht Sagamore; the 85’ pilothouse sloop Adjutor; and the 88’ cold molded three-masted sail training vessel Spirit of Bermuda.
For more information, contact Langan Design Partners LLC, 105 Spring Street, Newport, R.I. 02840 USA, +1 401-849-2249, or visit www.LanganDesign.com
