L. E. (Ted) Geary

Theodore Leigh “Ted” Geary (1885–1960) was a visionary American naval architect, yacht designer, and marine innovator whose elegant, high-performance vessels defined the golden age of Pacific Northwest yachting and left an indelible mark on 20th-century sailing. Born in Kansas City and raised in Seattle, Geary apprenticed under the legendary L.E. “Ted” Geary Sr. (no relation) before striking out on his own, blending European finesse with rugged West Coast practicality. His career spanned wood, steel, and early fiberglass, producing over 400 designs—from humble Geary 18 “Flatties” (1928) for youth safety to opulent motor yachts like Sirius (1921) and the iconic Princess Marguerite (1948) steamship.