Known for designing British 12-Metres for the America’s Cup, David Boyd also made a significant contribution to the legend of William Fife III. Through the 1950s and 1960s, David Boyd was as famous as any naval architect might become in Britain. Boyd’s racing yachts had won some of the most prestigious competitions of his era. His 6-Metres won the Seawanhaka Cup three times, the equally high-profile One Ton Cup, more than half-a-dozen Solent Silver Medals and top-scoring individual yacht honours in the British America’s Cup. Boyd could also claim the season’s champion in 5.5-Metres and Windermere 17s. These winners are, of course, in addition to David Boyd’s best-known work from the post-war era – the three sublime, yet polemic, 12-Metre yachts designed for the America’s Cup. Sceptre, Sovereign and Kurrewa V.
For further reading The Piper Calls the Tune is an account of the life and works of David Boyd through his 60 year career. The book reviews Boyd’s contribution to the maritime heritage of the Clyde Estuary and celebrates his enduring legacy through the 50 years of close racing and camaraderie enjoyed by his classic Piper One Design fleet.
