The Design

The boat was designed by professional naval architect Eric Sponberg.  His efforts were featured in Professional Boatbuilder Magazine, Issue #161, June/July 2016.  In the article, he recounts the many challenges and considerations when developing the architectural plans for the boat.  It's an excellent article and that provides the readers with a well rounded view of the design choices.  Below the article you'll find a short biography of Eric and a link to his personal website.  

The Designer

Mr. Sponberg received his B.S.E. degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan in 1971. Following graduation, he worked for Exxon in the taker design division, as a technical editor for Cruising World magazine, and as a Chief Engineer for Tillotson-Pearson Inc. (TPI), builders of J-Boats, Freedom Yachts, and Alden Yachts.  

In November, 1981, Mr.  Sponberg left TPI to organize and run Sponberg Yacht Design Inc. (SYDI), a full service naval architecture and marine engineering firm.  Eric is now retired and SYDI is no longer in practice.  However, SYDI provided original custom, production yacht, and commercial craft designs to individuals and corporations for both power and sail vessels in all materials.  Services extended from initial architectural concept to owner’s seatrials, encompassing all facets of naval architecture and marine engineering.  SYDI was completely computerized with 3-D hull surface modeling and 2-D drafting.  SYDI also provided forensic engineering services to the recreational marine industry.
 
Mr. Sponberg's love for naval architecture led him to Roger Williams University where he wrote and taught courses in small craft design.  With his talent for writing, his articles on yacht design and engineering have appeared in Yachting, Sail, Cruising World, Professional Boatbuilder, Ocean Navigator, Racer’s Edge, American Sailor, The Boatbuilder’s International Directory, Soudings--Trade Only, and Sailing Scene.  
 
Throughout his stellar career, the one project missing from his list of accomplishments was the full design, engineering and implementation of his vision for the ideal ocean row boat.  Being his last professional design, he immersed himself as a pioneer for new and innovative methods within the ocean rowing community.    

For more detailed information about Eric, please see his website:  ericwsponberg.com.