Bernard Smith 1910-2010

Cover of "The 40 Knot Sailboat"

Bernard Smith
Courtesy Mr. Smith's Amazing Sailboats

Full size trials
Courtesy Mr. Smith's Amazing Sailboats

Courtesy ArtFormFunction

Bernard Smith passed away recently at the sprightly young age of 99. He was a tireless innovator, inventor and experimenter. Dubbed 'sailing's rocket scientist' his designs were instrumental in pushing the sailing envelope. I've written about him before, and his discoveries inspired many, including the builders of the visionary Vestas Sailrocket. His inquiring, restless mind led him to investigate many lines of inquiry, as his wife said, ' he was interested in everything'.

Thanks, Bernard.

There's an extensive bio/eulogy written by Frank Delano for fredericksburg.com here.