Top 10 practicing naval architects / yacht designers ?

If you had to make a list, who would you say are the 10 most significant and interesting naval architects and yacht designers practicing in our time?

[Jeff]

Michael Peters and Harry Schoell would both be on my list.

[tspeer]

Gino Morelli, Dick Newick, Ian Farrier, Nigel Irens, John Shuttleworth

[Gades]

If marketing counts, Ed Dubois would be there as well (in my list).

A man by the name of Willis I. Hudson would definitely be at the top of my list. A graduate of Rose Hullman in the field of engineering, this man single handedly revolutionized the boating industry in the late forties when he began building boats out of a new material called fiberglass and resin. Willis Hudson was the designer and owner of Falcon Boats in Houston, Texas as well as the brains behind the most advanced design for shallow water boats today, the Shallow Sport. Shallow Sport Boats of Texas out of Port Isabel, TX is currently owned and opperated by Willis' son Rex Hudson. Recently Willis Hudson was the recipient of the lifetime achievement award from the 2001 Boating Trade Assocication for his major contributions to the boating industry. Today, nearly every boat in the world is constructed from this durable material. I give my thanks and appreciation for this man's contribution to my business. You can see his designs and read more about Shallow Sport at www.shallowsportboats.com

King of the kit boats, and mega yacht designer downunder, has led the way in light materials engineering particularly CNC plasma cut alloy for mega yacht manfacture....plus I can attest - he's a heck of a nice bloke.



CDM Computer Design Marine

You could also add Gavin Mair to the list.

Prior to them... Len Randal.

Cheers!