STEPHEN C. BAKER, YACHT DESIGNER AUGUST 2003 AWARD
As our forums and gallery have grown this year, we've been very fortunate to attract a number of great designers and interesting concepts. Looking at this 'year in review' so far, two of the favorites were "Myrddin," a 32' Classic canoe-sterned Launch, and "Taliesin," a 50' trawler yacht, both beautifully designed by Stephen C. Baker.
In the designer's own words: "Myrddin was borrowed, and I use that word advisedly, from the launch Merlin used by Bill Garden as an island tender. Merlin has a definite charm and the sort of 'do anything' character that has endeared old working boats to me for years, and it was a case of love at first sight. With Myrddin, I have tried to create something with the same feeling and utility as the new 'Picnic Boat' trend, but with the grace and qualities of the original."
From the same hull form, the larger 50' Taliesin was then brought to life. Continuing with Stephen's own words to describe this wonderful boat, "there is ample room for almost any interior you could want in a 50-footer, and near-standing headroom is available in the engine room. She would be perfect for low-impact, low-speed cruising almost anywhere in the world. Cruising speed would be around 8.5 knots, and draft is less than 6 feet."
These two designs capture the imagination as few boats do. They deserve a place in any hall of fame... and they certainly have a place in our hall of fame. Click the link below to visit Stephen Baker's website for more information, or click the gallerylink to see a number of great designs which Stephen has been kind enough to post in our design gallery.