Sparkman & Stephens bought by W-Class Yachts founder Donald Tofias

Donald Tofias, founder of W-Class Yachts, has become president of American yacht design and brokerage firm Sparkman & Stephens, having purchased the company outright.

A well-known owner and lifelong sailor, Tofias assumes responsibility for the company from its new base in Newport, Rhode Island – a location he describes as “the yachting capital of the world”.

Sparkman & Stephens also has offices in Greenwich, Connecticut, which was its former headquarters, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Tofias has owned a range of boats and boards from a raft of revered designers, as well as owning W-Class Racing Yachts for the last 20 years. The deal will see W-Class’s W.76 sloops marketed by Sparkman & Stephens moving forward.

Tofias outlined his commitment to the role, stating he will strive to “preserve the history” of Sparkman & Stephens whilst simultaneously “building and expanding on its great tradition in yacht design and brokerage”.

The company, founded in 1929 by Olin Stephens and Drake Sparkman, curates the design and engineering on vessels undergoing commercial, military and pleasure use. As of this year, the firm also represents over 800-crewed charter yacht situated around the world.

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