August 2003

STEPHEN C. BAKER, YACHT DESIGNER

Looking at this 'year in review' so far, two of our favorite designs of the year have been "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, "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, and they deserve a place in  our hall of fame.

May 2003

BO ZOLLAND (HERMANFORM) & DOLVIK BOATBUILDERS

"Born in 1952, Swedish designer Bo Zolland was bitten by the wooden boat bug in 1963 while sitting in his uncle's Caravelle with a Merc 6 inline engine. He has been drawing wooden boats as long as he can remember."
From the overall proportions and beauty to the fine details such as the wind screen designs on the open fisherman shown below, Bo Zolland takes countless details that recall fond legacies from the past and very successfully arranges them into breathtaking and unexpected new compositions, every one a boat that makes me hope I have camera in hand the first time I see her on the water

March 2003

OX7.1PS DESIGN

Since adding The Gallery to Boat Design Net where visitors can register and upload their projects for comment and exhibit, we have been surprised and thrilled day after day by the great projects which have been added so far.
A prime example is this runabout design, "a single stepped monohull built in modern materials with topsides inspired from runabouts of the twenties and thirties."
Her lines are beautiful and allude to a rich history which can't help but produce an emotional attachment. It's one of those boats that allow you to feel and imagine the experience even  just watching it sit gently at rest.  It will be exciting to see more photos posted as this boat comes to life later this year...