Author: Mystic Seaport Museum

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author and Historian

On Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at the Rainbow Room, New York City, David McCullough was honored with the second annual America and the Sea Award presented by Mystic Seaport. The award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions to the history, arts or sciences of the sea best exemplify the American spirit and character. The Award honors and celebrates those who embrace the scholarship, exploration, adventure, aesthetics, competition and freedom the sea inspires.

David McCullough has been widely acclaimed as a “master of the art of narrative history, and a matchless writer.” He is two-time winner of the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. He has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and has received more than 40 honorary degrees. In December 2006, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.

His books have been praised for their scholarship and vibrant prose providing unique insights into American life and character. Mr. McCullough’s most recent book, 1776, was the number one New York Times national bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, and has been called, “brilliant…powerful, a classic.” His previous work, John Adams, remains one of the most critically acclaimed and widely read American biographies of all time. In March 2008, John Adams will be made into an HBO mini-series, produced by Tom Hanks and starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as John and Abigail Adams.

Among the guests expected to be on hand to honor McCullough will be Ric Burns, documentary filmmaker. Dr. William M. Fowler, Jr., the distinguished professor of history from Northeastern University will make remarks prior to the presentation of the Award.

Most successful and admired yacht designer of the 20th century

Olin Stephens II was named the first recipient of the America and the Sea Award presented by Mystic Seaport, the nation’s leading maritime museum.

Widely recognized as the most respected, successful and admired yacht designer of the 20th century, Stephens was recognized at a dinner in his honor November 15 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York.

Mystic Seaport Chairman of the Board Bill Forster and Gary Jobson, master of ceremonies at the event, presented the award to Olin Stephens III, who accepted on behalf of his father, who was unable to attend the event.

By creating the Award, Mystic Seaport President and Director Doug Teeson said the Museum recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the maritime world.

“This award honors and celebrates America’s relationship to the sea and the spirit of exploration, adventure, creativity, competition and freedom that inspires us all,” Teeson said. “Olin Stephens embodies unparalleled personal and professional achievement. From America’s Cup boats to the Lightning class, Olin’s boats appeal to many and his scope is international. He has inspired a whole generation of boat designers–proving he is equal part designer and teacher.”

Stephens, who began his design career as an apprentice to Philip Rhodes at 19, joined his brother, Rod, and Drake Sparkman in 1929 to establish Sparkman & Stephens. When Dorade, his first ocean-racing yacht, captured the 1931 Trans-Atlantic Race, Stephens attributed it simply to luck. More so, it was a sign of things to come.

Two-time America’s Cup winners Intrepid and Courageous were designed by Stephens, as were Freedom, Constellation, Columbia, and Ranger, the first America’s Cup yacht developed through model testing in a towing tank.

While Stephens may be best known for his Cup designs, as well as other vessels like Finisterre, Brilliant and Stormy Weather, his Lightning class design has had a significant impact on the world of sailing. The Lightning class is a mainstay of many youth sailing programs. It was also designed as an affordable family day-sailor and racing boat. More than 15,000 have been built, making it one of the most popular and competitive one-design classes in the world. More importantly, the Lightning class changed sailing in the 20th century from a sport for the privileged to a sport available to all.