World-renowned yacht designer and long-time friend and Trustee of Mystic Seaport, Olin J. Stephens II, celebrated his 100th birthday April 13, marking a milestone event that is being celebrated by the Museum.
An exhibition celebrating the life and work of the yacht designer highlights the Museum’s centennial celebration. The exhibit, which opened on April 13, will remain open for 100 days in the Cruising Club of America Olin J. Stephens II Reading Room in the Museum’s G.W. Blunt White Building. Entrance is free with Museum admission.
For this occasion, Stephens recently signed 100 copies of his autobiography, All This and Sailing, Too. These special autographed copies include a commemorative birthday seal and will be given to the first 100 donors of $1,000 or more who make gifts to Mystic Seaport in honor of Olin Stephens.
Donors of $500 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a private twilight event dockside aboard Brilliant this fall. Additionally, donors of $100 or more will be invited to a special birthday celebration for Stephens on May 16 with Mystic Seaport’s Board of Trustees and International Council.
Stephens has long been described as one of the most highly respected and successful yacht designers of the 20th century. His name is often connected with the America’s Cup, as he helped to design many of the winning vessels between the years of 1937 and 1980. Stephens’ career in the yachting business began in 1929, as he entered into a partnership with yacht broker Drake Sparkman and formed Sparkman & Stephens, Inc., a full-service yacht design, naval architecture, yacht management and brokerage firm.
“Olin is a titan among twentieth-century yacht designers,” said Sparkman & Stephens Executive Vice President and Chief Designer Bruce Johnson. “His influence and indeed, many of the creations he was responsible for have carried
over into the twenty-first century.
In 2006, Mystic Seaport recognized this influence and the outstanding achievements Stephens demonstrated within the maritime world when the Museum named him the first recipient of the prestigious America and the Sea award.
“Olin embodies everything that Mystic Seaport represents – America’s relationship with the sea and the spirit of exploration, adventure, aesthetics, competition and freedom that inspires us all,” said Museum President and Director Douglas Teeson.
For more information about Stephens’ centennial birthday celebration, call 860.572.5365 or visit ww.mysticseaport.org/olin.