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Designing Men

We probably don't spend enough time on technical issues, especially around design issues. Everybody has heard of the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, and we'd guess that a few of you have looked into it. For the rest of us, current Webb student Seth Cooley gives the scoop.

Olin Stephens was undoubtedly one of the greatest Naval Architects of all time. His designs defended the America’s Cup eight times and he revolutionized offshore racing with Dorade, just as two examples. Stephens attended MIT for one semester, but dropped out and began designing fast boats, so he is also unique by today’s standards in that he had little or no formal education. In his day, this was not unheard of. Stephens said of his Naval Architecture career, “I started then at 90 percent intuitive and 10 percent scientific, if you want to say that. And that I ended up more like 50/50 and since I’ve been retired the thing has gone to 80 or 90 percent scientific and 10 or 20 percent of intuitive.”

This shift to “scientific” has all but necessitated that Naval Architects be formally educated. Therefore, anyone interested in designing any type of boat or ship, sailboat or otherwise, had better know a bit about Naval Architecture and where to get an education in the discipline. In the United States there are precious few dedicated Naval Architecture programs. There’s the Naval Academy for those wishing to go that route, but that’s hardly everyone. Otherwise, it’s pretty well accepted that the best two options for a bachelor’s in Nav Arch are the University of Michigan and Webb Institute of Naval Architecture. Graduates of these programs hold rank in top design offices: Farr, Reichel-Pugh, Morrelli and Melvin, Sparkman and Stephens, Antrim and Associates, Pedrick Yacht Designs and the list goes on—you are encouraged to visit their websites yourself and check out their teams’ backgrounds.

Now you find yourself asking, “What the hell is Webb Institute.” Most people, I’m sure will have this question; but keep reading and you might find an answer—I especially urge those looking at colleges; parents and students alike. Many people who live down the street from the Glen Cove, New York school don’t know Webb exists. However, go to a Naval Architect and most would be able to tell you. Beyond offering Naval Architecture, Webb is a different school from Michigan in almost every respect—a different school than most any other for that matter.

Webb Institute offers a single program: a double-major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Whether you want to design dinghies, sport-fishers, or containerships, a Webb education will make it possible. Webb’s job placement is pretty much at 100 percent—how’s that for today’s economy? Those who don’t find a job immediately are typically attending a graduate program at places like MIT or the University of Southampton, in England.

The school’s enrollment is just about 90 students total—small by any standard. So why should you go to Webb where your social life, admittedly, might suffer a bit? Well, it’s not all that bad: Webb’s campus is a former estate on the shore of Long Island Sound with its own private beach. Students live, work, and play in a mansion which has been Wayne Manor in Batman movies and backdrop for countless photo-shoots. Webb’s sailing team (because I know you are all interested) is well equipped with 8 420’s, 4 lasers, and 2 chase boats all of which can be launched on the beach just down the hill from dorm rooms and the sailing team competes against the likes of St. Mary’s, Hobart and William Smith, Navy, USMMA, etc.

So a mansion on the water front with boats… It must be pricey and snobbish you may be thinking. It’s actually quite the opposite. Everyone who is accepted to Webb is granted a full scholarship courtesy of Webb’s endowment and alumni contributions. Tuition is zero—the only major costs that students are responsible for are room and board, books, and a laptop. Even before considering the rigor and quality of the Webb program, its value is tremendous.

Webb’s program is intense. Typically students have high SAT scores and are near the top of their classes. The opportunities are worth the hard work though. Anyone interested should check out Webb’s site at http://www.webb-institute.edu/ and/or contact the admissions department for more information. The application deadline was February 15th, but if you think the school might be a fit for you or someone you know, give them a call and you might get another chance.

To learn more about Naval Architecture or related fields Marine Engineering and Ocean Engineering, check out the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers’ page here. The site has a full list of schools offering any Naval Architecture or related courses.