Stimson Yacht Design

Sailing yacht or power boat, regardless of size or functionality – Stimson Yacht Design develops elegant solutions that are conceived with flair, and created with sound engineering and practicality in mind.

We offer a range of services both in-house and in conjunction with external specialists, who we often bring together to form project-specific teams, depending on the requirements of the brief.

Following three decades of design experience and four decades on the water, we have developed practical know-how and built up scientific knowledge, allowing us to balance the often conflicting requirements of a vessel.

Services

• Naval Architecture

• Stability Analysis – Intact and Damaged cases

• Powering, Trim and Fuel Range calculation

• VPP/Sailing Performance

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) – Aero and Hydro

• Foil & Appendage Design

• 3D Computer Modelling

• Technical & Supplier Liaison

• Bid & Tender Process management

Christian Stimson, FRINA, Principal

Christian studied Yacht Design at the renowned Southampton Institute of Technology and, after graduating with Distinction in 1987, set up Christian Stimson Yacht Design in Cowes in the UK. After 10 years running the business as the incorporated company, Stimson Yachts Ltd, Christian moved to New Zealand with his family, where Stimson Yacht Design is now based. From here Christian continues to be involved with projects around the globe.

Since the early days, which produced high performance boats such as the B28 sportsboat and International 14 dinghies, Christian’s portfolio has grown to include a broad range of boats with a variety of functions and features, from fast raceboats and comfortable cruisers, to all-weather power catamarans and 40 knot superyacht RIB tenders. Christian’s experience with raceboats, the focus of much of the early part of his career, led to him joining GBR Challenge for the 2003 America’s Cup campaign.

Christian’s designs now include power boats as much as sailing yachts, and the philosophy of Stimson Yacht Design has been determined by his strong belief that both disciplines have much to learn from the other. In recognition of his length and range of experience, Christian was elected to Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and currently sits as Vice-president on the RINA (NZ) Council.