Lyman-Morse Designers' Forum Session One

Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, with support from the Cruising Club of America and the Ocean Cruising Club, hosted 120 guests for a Designers’ Forum on Saturday, October 21st. Nine recognized naval architects arrived from across the country to participate. Guests came from throughout New England to attend. The event began with an Open House at Lyman-Morse in Thomaston, with designers on site to showcase their latest work. After a break for lunch, a capacity crowd gathered at the Farnsworth’s Wyeth Center for a Designers’ Panel Discussion and Q&A segment. The themes for the two 45-minute discussions were Yachting Today and Tomorrow. John Hanson, Founder and Publisher of Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Magazine served as moderator for the Today segment. Doug Zurn, Zurn Yacht Design; Chuck Paine, CW Paine Yacht Design; Jay Paris, Jay E. Paris Naval Architecture; and Robert Stephens, Stephens Waring Yacht Design covered topics ranging from the pros and cons of custom versus production boats; designing to the rule and the place of sailing and boating in today’s busy world. Besides the designers and naval architects, the events were attended by other notable people in the industry including professional sailor Cam Lewis, yacht interior designer Martha Coolidge, Kevin Burns, designer for Back Cove Yachts, The Landing School’s Jaimie Houtz and Scott Teas architect of 250 Main. Afterwards, guests continued the discussion at a festive reception at 250 Main Hotel catered by Café Miranda.