Bob Stephens, co-founder of Stephens Waring Yacht Design, and Alison Langley, bespoke marine photographer, were hosted by the New York Yacht Club on Wednesday evening, March 19, 2014. They displayed their exciting plans for the upcoming season.
Stephens, Waring and White designed superyacht Bequia, 90 ft ketch built by Brooklin Boatyard, Maine - Photo credit to Langley Photography
In the crowded Model Room over 70 guests were treated to an evening of elegance and entertainment as Stephens, known for producing some of the world’s most stylish and reputable modern day classics, talked about the development of Spirit of Tradition/Modern Classics. He spoke passionately about the rich heritage of yacht design and production, and highlighted the fact that these boats do not replace classic yachts but instead, complement them.
Stephens, who has been at the forefront of developing the Spirit of Tradition concept since its inception in the early 1990s, said: “There’s a desire for people to have new objects that feel like old objects – objects that are obviously hand-crafted by caring expert artisans. A true modern classic faithfully delivers on that front, but also delivers an equally carefully engineered and sophisticated modern experience in structure, performance, and comfort.”
Included in Stephens many featured yachts last night, was superyacht Bequia – one of Stephens Waring Yacht Design’s largest bespoke designs to date. Built five years ago, this 90ft yawl has all the characteristics of a modern classic, and her owners take pleasure in her not only because she is comfortable, easy to sail, and competitive, but also because she is aesthetically very pleasing. Her busy 2014 calendar kicks off at the end of this month at St Barths Bucket Regatta.
Luxury sailing yacht Bequia - Photo credit to Langley Photography
In addition to the informative chat, and splendid array of accompanying Langley images, Stephens revealed some particularly exciting news including the forthcoming International Yacht & Aviation Awards in which two of Stephens Waring Yacht Design entries – Citronella and Rapture are short-listed. The awards presentation takes place in London in May.
Other projects lined-up for the year include Stephens Waring Yacht Design’s presence at the Palm Beach International Boat Show (20-23 March) in a supporting role for Todd French, of French and Webb – builders. One of this company’s latest projects is the Zogo – a stylish and innovative hybrid propulsion system boat.
Stephens commented: “We have thought for a long time Zogo would be well-suited to the Intracoastal Waterway and canals of South Florida, so this is an opportunity to introduce the boat to the boating populace and educate them about the great features of her hybrid propulsion system.”
Bequia Yacht - Interior - Photo credit to Langley Photography
Stephens also sees his visit to the show as a great opportunity to pursue the latest developments in the south Florida boating scene and in powerboat design. He said: “This is a rapidly growing segment of our business with more and more clients requesting elegant, well-performing and stylish powerboats.”
Commenting on last night’s sell-out event at the NYYC, Stephens said: “It was a great thrill to address the members in that hallowed space, and a pleasure to see old friends among the audience.
“Alison’s images were truly impressive on the big screen, and we had a spirited discussion about the revival of the classic class and the rise of the Spirit of Tradition phenomenon. The backdrop of a century-and-a-half of yacht design spelled out in the models surrounding us gave a great ambience to the evening.”
