Industry captains to guide endowment effort

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine – The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design will be getting an added boost to raise funds for its Olin J. Stephens II Chair in Yacht Design, as Eric Goetz, president of Goetz Custom Sailboats, and Will Keene, president and CEO of Edson International, have volunteered to serve as co-chairs for the recently launched effort.

As co-chairs of the fund drive, Goetz and Keene will be contacting many marine industry firms, with a particular eye on firms that have benefited from employment of Landing School alumni.

“Goetz and Keene will clearly bring the benefit from their many years of experience in the marine industry as well as their international stature as leaders and innovators in the trade to bear in their outreach efforts,” school officials wrote in their press release today. “It is in these dual capacities that Goetz and Keene have served the Landing School both as advisors and supporters for many years. Both men have recognized the quality and high standards of education and training that the Landing School embodies.”

The Stephens Chair in Yacht Design was created by the Landing School to honor the world renowned designer by celebrating and instilling in students Olin Stephens’ high standards, his innovative thinking, his respect for science, and his love for the art of yacht design. Stephens, who has served the Landing School as a close advisor for many years, served as chief designer for the legendary Sparkman and Stephens design firm, which he co-founded in 1928 with yacht broker Drake Sparkman.

Founded in 1979, the Landing School offers programs in Boatbuilding, Yacht Design and Marine Systems, all fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.

Persons interested in the Landing School, The Olin J. Stephens II Chair in Yacht Design, or its programs in Boatbuilding, Yacht Design and Marine Systems, may contact the institution at P.O. Box 1490, Kennebunkport, ME 04046-1490; via e-mail at: info@landingschool.org; or by visiting the School’s Web site at: www.landingschool.org.

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