George Kirby

George Kirby was a Canadian naval architect active in the late 20th century, best known for designing performance-oriented fiberglass sailboats built by Skene Boats in Gloucester, Ontario. His work focused on trailerable racers and cruisers optimized for club racing and coastal sailing, emphasizing lightweight construction, fractional rigs, and responsive handling. Kirby's designs, such as the Kirby 25 and Kirby 30, gained popularity in Canadian fleets during the 1970s–1980s sailing boom, with the Kirby 25 becoming a one-design class staple.