Episode 30 - Guitars, Girls and Yacht Design

This week, Erik and David sit down with legendary yacht designer and 2023 National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee Robert Perry to talk yacht design, his early rock-and-roll life, and his thoughts on the design industry now. Robert Perry is a Hall of Fame sailor and one of the most influential yacht designers of the modern era, widely respected for blending performance, seaworthiness, and practical cruising comfort. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Perry rose to prominence in the 1970s with designs that emphasized strong offshore capability without sacrificing handling or livability. His breakthrough came with the Valiant 40, a yacht that helped define the modern bluewater cruising category and earned a reputation for safety and reliability on long ocean passages. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Perry has designed hundreds of sailboats, ranging from high-performance racers to passagemaking cruisers and custom expedition yachts. Notable designs include the Tayana 37, Baba 30 and 40, Passport series, and numerous custom performance cruisers admired for their balanced hull forms and thoughtful deck layouts. His work is known for efficient sail plans, moderate displacement, and hull shapes that perform well across a wide range of conditions. Beyond design, Perry has contributed extensively to the sailing community through technical writing, boat reviews, and educational commentary, helping sailors better understand naval architecture. His induction into the sailing Hall of Fame recognizes a lifetime of innovation, craftsmanship, and lasting impact on offshore cruising worldwide. http://perryboat.com/