Published on Apr 17, 2015
A native of South Dartmouth, Llewellyn Howland III has written and edited many books on aspects of American maritime and yachting history. In his illustrated lecture, Howland will take the measure of Starling Burgess, no ordinary man, no ordinary designer. A dominant figure in 20th century yacht design and aviation, Burgess’s legacy endures today. He designed three triumphant America’s Cup defenders, scores of distinctive sail and powerboats, and held patents in many fields. His charm was as legendary as his genius, and his design output was as prodigious as his talent. Yet he battled morphine addiction and ill-health during some of his most productive years, was married five times, and never achieved the wealth and security of which he dreamed.