Bruce King

Bruce King (full name: Bruce P. King) was one of the most influential American naval architects of the 20th century, renowned for his elegant, performance-driven designs that spanned production fiberglass sailboats, custom racers, classic-inspired wooden yachts, and even powerboats. Over a career spanning more than 40 years (1964–2004), he created over 7,000 boats, blending timeless aesthetics with innovative engineering. His philosophy, inspired by mentor Hugh Angleman, emphasized that a boat must be "pleasing to the eye" while excelling in speed and seaworthiness—often described as a "nautical Horatio Alger" story of self-taught ingenuity. King's work helped define the racer-cruiser genre, influencing generations of sailors and builders.
King passed away in 2021, but his legacy endures through active designs and the firm he founded, now operated by successors.