img8636MYSTIC, CT — Mystic Seaport, in Mystic, Conn., provided a striking backdrop for the recent Designer's Recognition Rendezvous sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. Celebrating the success of Sparkman & Stephens (S&S), one of America's most prominent yacht design firms, the three day event showcased 70 S&S-designed boats and drew a crowd of 700 to hear the firm's founding partner, Olin Stephens (Hanover, N.H.), speak. Established in 1931, S&S is internationally acclaimed for its creation of 2600 designs for pleasure, commercial and military use. Many of those in attendance were S&S boat owners who had traveled from all over the globe to participate. The weekend was co-produced by Mystic Seaport, Heritage Marine Insurance and WoodenBoat.

The highlight of the weekend was a dinner during which Olin Stephens was presented a Rolex Submariner timepiece by Bill Sandberg, Corporate Advertising Manager of Rolex Watch U.S.A. The affection for Stephens, and the high esteem in which he is held, was evident by the large turnout, including alumni of the firm, such as Dave Pedrick and Jim Teeters, who have gone on to become successful independent designers. Recognition was also given to several participating vessels including Lightning #1, owned by Jack Ryan (Peoria, Ill.), which traveled the farthest distance by land, and Safari, a Loki Yawl owned by Jim Alton (Titusville, Fla.) which traveled the farthest distance by sea — from New Smyrna Beach, Fla. — to participate.

Mystic Seaport — The Museum of America and the Sea — was founded in 1929 by three Mystic residents in order to preserve the rapidly disappearing remnants of America's maritime past. It is the nation's leading maritime museum, housing the largest collection of boats and maritime photography in the world.

See www.mysticseaport.org and www.sparkmanstephens.com