Formally created on November 11, 1929, with five partners: Drake Sparkman and his younger brother James Sparkman, James Murray, and brothers Olin J. Stephens and Roderick Stephens.
The Stephens brothers began their careers as self-taught sailors on Barnstable Bay, Massachusetts. Both entered the marine industry at an early age – Olin apprenticing in yacht design under Philip Rhodes, and Roderick learning shipbuilding at the prominent Nevins Yard in City Island, New York, which would later produce several of his firm’s designs.[1] With their father’s backing, the 21-year old Olin and his brother entered into a partnership with the already successful yacht broker Drake Sparkman, and Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. was formed.
Months after opening for business, the financial crisis of the Great Depression swept the global market. In spite of this, the Stephens’ father ordered a design for a racing yacht from the young firm – a yacht named Dorade. As her first major test, Dorade won the much-publicized 1931 Trans-Atlantic Race. That victory launched the design reputation of Sparkman & Stephens – and set a course for the firm that would last more than half a century.
Together Olin and Roderick Stephens formed a team that had a major worldwide influence in yacht design, creating racing and cruising designs that helped to popularize the sport. Since the establishment of Sparkman & Stephens, the firm has completed over 2750 designs and related assignments in the pleasure, commercial and military sectors. The company is organized into two departments
Hi,
Recently, I was going through my father’s estate and came across a brochure for a 45 ft. yawl named Pippa designed by Sparkman and Stevens(Stephens). I have great memories of spending time aboard her on a sailing trip with my family between 1978 to 1980. I don’t know the exact year. Is there any way to find out if this yacht is still around? Can you look in your archives for a picture of her? I truly appreciate any information you can give me.
Thank you so much,
Steve Simons