82 CLASSIC BOAT MAY 20154
T
o Belfast, in Maine where I am meeting the
design duo of Bob Stephens and Paul Waring,
who are carving a name for themselves
designing Spirit of Tradition craft which are
extremely easy on the eye. The offi ce is on the top fl oor of
a three storey red brick building on Main St, just a couple
of blocks up from the waterfront of a pretty harbour. It’s a
pleasant airy offi ce with extra light brought into the design
studio from a fl oor-to-ceiling artist’s window.
And I am a little surprised to see, alongside the wide
computer screens with their CAD drawings of yachts from
unusual angles, draughtsman’s tables with spline weights,
like heavy black mini sperm whales – the traditional tool
of the designer to hold the long splines in position to draw
the curves of his design’s lines.
“We still draw out designs because it can actually save
time at the beginning stage of the design process,” Bob
says. “A hand drawing is also a great presentational tool
for a prospective owner. It feels personalised and it’s a
good size to be able to see the whole concept of the boat
at once.” Of course I need no persuading about this and I
love lines plans which are made by hand – they are farThe Spirit
is strong
Bob Stephens and Paul Waring still
draw lines plans in their boat design
process. Then they apply modern
design parameters and materials...
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS DAN HOUSTONMEET THE
DESIGNERSMEET THECB323 Stphns_Wrng.indd 82 24/03/2015 18:45