Chris Hammond

Chris Hammond is a prominent British naval architect and yacht designer specializing in high-performance, lightweight sailing craft. As the founder of Design Science Ltd. (established in the UK in the early 2000s), Hammond has focused on blending cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber and epoxy with minimalist, speed-oriented designs for daysailers and small racers. His work emphasizes trailerability, planning performance, and short-handed sailing, drawing from his background in aeronautical engineering and dinghy racing. Hammond's designs are celebrated for their "rocket-like" responsiveness, often competing in European one-design fleets. With over 20 years in the field, he has influenced the modern daysailer market, producing hundreds of boats through collaborations with Baltic builders.
Hammond's philosophy: "Light weight and low drag unlock speed—without sacrificing fun or safety." His Esse series, in particular, has a cult following among solo sailors and club racers.