2006 Classic Yacht Symposium, Bristol, Rhode Island trendees at the second Classic Yacht Symposium, held 31 March - 2 April in Bristol, RI, co-sponsored by the Herreshoff Marine Museum and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), were enthralled when Olin Stephens started the Saturday presentations on the history of model testing. The undisputed dean of yacht design,

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The Landing School's Jamie Houtz and Designer Olin J Stephens II the 98-year-old Stephens discussed the beginnings of tank model testing when yacht design took on a highly scientific approach. Among the yachts he discussed, from personal experience, were: Courageous, Intrepid, Freedom, and Gimcrack.

Stephens was followed by six presentations on restoration projects around the country including: the New York 30, Alera, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine; Cangarda, a 126-foot steam-powered Edwardian yacht, to be launched later this year in San Francisco; the 40-foot cruiser Peggy Bawn, as well as a presentation by Nakomis Nelson on the philosophical and practical challenges in how best to maintain a fleet of One Designs. A panel of five leading boatbuilding/ restoration schools in the US led an informative and lively discussion with the audience on the current state and practice of education for the classic marine trades. Saturday was capped with a dinner in the Herreshoff Museum's Hall of Boats. Sailing commentator Gary Jobson finished the day with video clips of yacht races and a talk about famous yachts he has known. The Symposium is inval uable to the classic yacht community in both the papers presented and the opportunity for open communication between yacht builders, owners, restorers, designers, museums and schools. Kudos to the organizers

HerreshojfMuseum's Hall ofBoats for providing the bound Proceedings with registration. Copies of the Proceedings are available through the Herreshoff Marine Museum. The next Classic Yacht Symposium will be held in April 2008 , alternating years with the SNAME-sponsored Chesapeake Sailing Yacht Symposium. The Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame are dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the accomplishments of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and demonstrating the influence of America's Cup Competition, for the purpose of education, research, and the inspiration of excellence. For more information , visit www.herreshoff.org, or contact the Museum at POB 450, One Burnside St., Bristol, RI 02809; Ph. 401 253-5000; www.herreshoff.org.

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Maintaining the science a nd tradition of sailmaking for thirty-one years. P.O. Box 71, Lincoln St., East Boothbay, Maine 04544 (207) 633-5071

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SEA HISTORY 115, SUMMER 2006