Bill Lee

Bill Lee (1942-2013) was a revolutionary American yacht designer known as the 'Wizard of Santa Cruz' who pioneered the Ultra Light Displacement Boat (ULDB) concept. His radical designs, including Merlin, Chutzpah, and the famous 'sled' designs, dominated West Coast racing in the 1970s and 1980s. Lee's boats featured minimal wetted surface, maximum sail area, and extremely light construction. His 68-foot Merlin set numerous racing records including a legendary Transpac victory. Lee influenced an entire generation of designers and builders, establishing Santa Cruz as a center for innovative yacht design. Beyond designing, Lee was a colorful character whose unconventional approach and sailing success challenged traditional yacht design thinking.