William H. "Bill" Tritt

Tritt was a visionary fiberglass innovator (1917-2011) who transitioned from wooden boatbuilding to composites as early as 1948, founding companies like Glasspar (famous for the G2 runabout) and later the Hudson River Boat Company. For Pearson Yachts, he designed compact, trailerable classics such as the Resolute (1963, a 19-ft daysailer), Petrel (1962, a 12-ft dinghy), Packet (an 18-ft overnighter), SportCat, and Monterey, emphasizing traditional aesthetics with modern low-maintenance materials. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to sports cars and other marine ventures, leaving a legacy of affordable, family-oriented small boats.