With nearly 3,000 designs having been built since 1929, Sparkman & Stephens is one of the most highly respected naval-architecture and marine-engineering firms in the world. And, even with a wide variety of motoryachts, military craft, and commercial craft to its name, Sparkman & Stephens is often celebrated for its sailing yachts. Indeed, between its designs for J-Class yachts and traditional cruisers, there have been a number of famous commissions.
But not all sailing-yacht designs start with clients. Here, Bruce Johnson, president and chief designer for Sparkman & Stephens, describes the 130-foot Spirit of Tradition sloop. She’s a project generated entirely in-house, from her styling to interior design.
“This design was developed in house and under our own initiative. It was the result of a round-table discussion amongst the design team about common defining styling elements in our boats that could translate to a large modern classic. Certain elements are universal to many S&S designs, such as the sheerline, bow profile, stern overhang, and beam distribution. The discussion turned to the subject of deckhouse geometry and window styling and in particular the three-window solution that can be traced to many of our boats all the way back to design #105, dated 1935.
“The easiest example of how to interpret this in a modern classic of course has to be the very successful M36 built by Morris Yachts. In addition, design #2752, one of our recent launches, is a very modern interpretation of a classic boat at 48’. In that particular design, we used a large amount of slope to the house front and sides. Those styling elements taken together, our discussion then turned to the idea of using a short, three-window deckhouse on a large sailing yacht to achieve a very sleek, modern classic.
“The decision was also made to utilize shorter overhangs for increased waterline length while delivering bow and stern profiles that were unmistakably ‘Sparkman & Stephens.’ The result is a modern light-displacement hull form, and combined with advanced sail handling and mechanical systems make this new design truly state of the art.
“On deck, a functional aft cockpit provides plenty of working space for the helmsman and trimmers. A roomy lounging forward cockpit provides comfort for guests and an unobstructed panoramic view over the low-profile cabin house. Otherwise, the decks are clutter-free, clean, and simple, with all sheets and halyards running below decks. Traditional S&S deck furnishings, such as varnished Dorade boxes with polished cowls, varnished butterfly and companionway hatches, and miscellaneous sailing hardware, are well-placed and complement the exterior styling.
“Entering the companionway, a grand staircase leads into the main salon and dining area. Traditional woodworking and trim details abound. The main dining area seats eight guests comfortably, with additional seating and a bar area to port. Three en suite staterooms, accommodating six guests comfortably, are arranged aft. Guest cabins are well-appointed with queen berths outboard, private heads, and separate showers. The full-beam master stateroom features a walk-in closet, large head with double sinks, oversized separate shower, king-sized berth to port, plush settee to starboard, and a private aft companionway.
“Forward of the main salon, a full-beam galley is furnished with ample cold storage, 36-inch chef’s range, bar serving area, and all other modern appliances a well-equipped galley requires. A day head for guests is located just beyond the galley to port. The crew area forward accommodates seven, including a spacious cabin with navigation desk for the captain and three separate double cabins with bunks.”
Principal Dimensions
Length Overall: 130’0” (39.64 meters)
Length Waterline: 110’0” (33.5 meters)
Beam: 24’8” (7.5 meters)
Draft: 13’6” (4.1 meters)
Sail Area: 4,800 square feet (445 square meters)
Displacement: 265,000 lbs. (120 metric tons)
Naval Architect: Sparkman & Stephens
Interior Design: Sparkman & Stephens
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