Sponberg Yachts Review

Sponberg Yacht Design was established in Ventura, California in 1978 by Eric Sponberg. Eric is a graduate from the University of Michigan’s naval architecture program and began his career working for Exxon Corporation in the tanker design division. In 1978 he began his own company, Sponberg Yachts, after finally deciding to settle in Ventura, California. He essentially wanted to start a design firm that would primarily consist of local boat builders in the area that had several years of experience in the craft. He designed his first vessel, Shearwater, consisting of two aluminum masts and a 28’ wood-epoxy construction. In 1980, Eric joined the engineering staff of Tillotson-Pearson Inc., who was a leading producer of fiberglass windmill blades as well as Freedom Yachts, J-Boats, and Alden Yachts. Many of Sponberg Yachts’ designs were influenced by Eric’s career at TPI, as he was and always has been an advocate of free-standing rigs.

Eric’s first yacht design was the Corroboree, a 35’ wood-epoxy sloop with a free-standing carbon fiber mast. Corroboree was eventually named one of the “100 Greatest Sailing Yachts in North America” by Sail magazine in 1993 due to its exquisite construction and beautiful interior. Sponberg Yacht Design is especially known for their open class 60 racing sailboat, Project Amazon. It is worldly known for its aluminum cat-ketch and its ability to essentially race around the world. Sponberg Yacht Design has a solid reputation in the boating industry due to their variety of yacht designs, some including sailing yachts, powerboats, and motoryachts. They are especially known for their free-standing mast designs, as they have created over 60 different creations over the years. They also encourage custom designs, and many times an owner’s customized yacht becomes a design that is later mass produced for other customers. Sponberg Yachts can be purchased new or used directly through the manufacturer as well as at other marine retailers across the US and the globe.

Pricing

Both new and used Sponberg Yachts are quite pricey. Used designs begin at approximately $100,000 and go up. New yachts can sell for up to $35,000,000. All prices depend on size.

Pros

• Company has received much recognition for their designs over the years.
• There are a variety of different designs to choose from.
• Chief Designer, Eric Sponberg is an outstanding naval architect in the industry.

Cons

• Most designs are extremely expensive and used for mainly sail racing.

Conclusion

Sponberg Yacht Design has been a leading producer and manufacturer of extraordinary yachts for over 30 years. They have several different types of yacht designs to choose from, as well as optional customized designs.