Edward S. Brewer

Edward S. "Ted" Brewer (1933–2023) was a prolific Canadian-American naval architect whose innovative designs revolutionized affordable, seaworthy fiberglass sailboats for coastal and offshore cruising. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, he served as a lieutenant in the Canadian Army until 1957, when he left to pursue his passion for boating, initially working as a yacht broker under George Cuthbertson (future founder of C&C Yachts) while completing the Westlawn Institute of Technology's yacht design correspondence course. Settling in the U.S., Brewer gained early acclaim for his collaboration on the Morgan 38 with Jack Corey in the 1970s, followed by over 270 designs—including the enduring Morgan 32, the rugged Douglas 32, and blue water favorites like the Brewer 12.8 and 44—produced by yards such as Morgan Yachts and Custom Yachts International. A champion of practical, owner-operator vessels, he authored influential books like Understanding Boat Design (now in its fourth edition) and The Best of Sail Trim, sharing his expertise on hull forms, stability, and performance. Brewer's boats, known for their balanced rigs, efficient interiors, and forgiving handling, have sailed from the Great Lakes to the Mediterranean and Pacific, with many still prized today; he passed away in 2023 at age 89, leaving a legacy as a mentor to generations of designers and sailors.