Steven Dileo

Steven J. DiLeo is an American naval architect best known for his work on compact, trailerable sailboats that emphasize classic aesthetics, simplicity, and accessibility for novice sailors and families. Active in the late 1970s and 1980s, DiLeo designed the popular Galilee 15—a 15-foot daysailer produced by Tiberias Marine (also referred to as Galilee Boatworks) in Maryland from 1980 until the yard's closure in the mid-1980s—drawing inspiration from traditional hull forms to create a vessel with graceful lines, a lifting keel for shallow-water versatility, and responsive handling in light breezes. With limited production (estimated 50–100 units), his design prioritizes portability and fun over complexity, featuring a fractional sloop rig and open cockpit that seats four comfortably, making it a favorite for club racing, instruction, and casual outings on protected waters. Beyond the Galilee 15, details on DiLeo's broader portfolio are scarce, suggesting he may have focused on boutique or one-off projects during his career; little is publicly documented about his personal background, education, or later endeavors,