Alfred E. Luders

Alfred E. Luders (1909–1999) was a pioneering American naval architect whose 50-year career produced over 300 designs, blending classic elegance with cutting-edge performance for both racing and cruising yachts. Beginning at Luders Marine Construction (founded by his father in 1908), he designed the iconic Luders 16 (1930s) and Luders 24 (1940s), before launching Alfred E. Luders Associates in 1953. His breakthrough came with the 5.5 Meter Class gold medalist at the 1952 Olympics, followed by IOR-era racers like the Luders 33 and Fastnet 45 (1968), which excelled in SORC and transatlantic passages. Known for moderate displacement, fin keels, and balanced helm, Luders’ boats—built by yards like Cheoy Lee and LeComte—won America’s Cup trials (1964) and remain prized for seaworthiness and timeless lines. A SNAME member and Cruising Club of America honoree, Luders’ legacy lives in vintage fleets and modern cruisers like the Tartan 37, proving beauty and speed can endure.