Throughout an extraordinarily productive career, Mr Stephens brought innovative designs to the sport of yachting. Since 1930, Sparkman and Stephens designs have represented the pinnacle of naval architecture in the modern era. Listing some of these yachts illustrates the breadth of his contribution: Dorade, Stromy Weather, Bolero and Finisterre. The seminal Twelve Metre yachts, Vim, Columbia, Constellation, Intrepid, Courageous and Freedom. A whole generation of International Six Metre yachts sailed from his drawing board, as did the Lightning Class, the Interclub Dinghy, Seawanhaka Seabird and the Shields. His cruising boats span the globe, many entering their fifth decade of service to enthusiastic owners and their families.

Mr Stephens gave himself to the sport well beyond this professional activity. He has been a member of, or consultant to, the IYRU Keelboat Committee since 1963. He headed the ORC committee that developed the International Offshore Rule, known as the IOR. He was active in the creation and maintenance of the International Measurement System (IMS and served two terms as the Chairman of the Offshore Racing Council’s International Technical Committee.

Mr Stephens is arguably the outstanding yacht designer of the Twentieth Century. Many of the world’s most successful yacht designers of today received their early training under him. Throughout his long and distinguished career he has been a patient mentor and inspired leader to these young people.

The sport of yachting has been enriched immeasurably by Mr Stephens, and it is with great pleasure that the IYRU presents its highest award to him in recognition of this contribution.