The yacht design firm of C/S/K

18 June 2005     Editor    1 Comments.

GALLERY | Click images to enlarge

An appreciation of the catamarans designed and built by the firm of C/S/K—or Rudy Choy, Warren Seaman and Alfred Kumalae.

The yacht design partnership of C/S/K was responsible for some of the finest ocean sailing catamarans ever built. The firm was active in the 1960’s - a decade of creative innovation everywhere - but especially in the amped up cultural milieu that was California.

They rode a remarkable wave of opportunity that embraced the California "surf" lifestyle, the public desire for modern "Jetsons" technology, and the South Seas "Tiki" fad that swept the country - From Trader Vic’s to Gilligan’s Island.

C/S/K was an authentic member of the great California wave. It was a part of the movement—a trend setter, not a follower. The firm had a unique caché, with Hollywood movie stars and LA elite for customers. Nevertheless, every wave finally breaks and so did C/S/K - a result of an economic recession at the end of the 1960’s - but not before designing and building about a hundred beautiful catamarans. Unlike the concurrent home-built multihull movement (exemplified by Arthur Piver) C/S/K cats were yachts - built to the highest standards. Their fit, finish and price was in line with other top yachts of the era. They were campaigned by wealthy owners who spared no expense - from a top drawer sail inventory to matching Aloha shirts for the crew.

C/S/K was a perfectly American partnership, being made from a native Hawaiian, a Korean-American, and a New Jersey Anglo Saxon. They were all brought together by a love for the Pacific ocean and sailing, an appreciation for the canoes of the Pacific Islanders, and a drive for excellence. I consider them a gift to sailing; the ‘Sparkman & Stephens’ of multihulls. In the best tradition of patronage, their visions were made real by people who appreciated their innate passion and ability. Like modern day Michelangelos, it granted them remarkable freedom to create what they really wanted.

Comparing a California yacht design firm to Renaissance artists is maybe a stretch, but I don’t think so. The 1960’s were in every sense of the word a Renaissance of American culture. The Italian Renaissance artists not only painted and sculpted. They invented new pigment technology and ways to apply them (plywood, fiberglass cloth and polyester resin). They explored radical new themes (multihulls). They were drawn to classical traditions outside and older than themselves (ancient Polynesia). They practiced in a defined geographical location that amplified their creativity (California). They attracted wealthy and influential patronage (Hollywood movie stars), and they were charged with the idea that they were part of something new and worthwhile.

C/S/K was:

• Rudy Choy - Choy was the naval architect. He grew up in Hawaii, worked as a Waikiki beach boy, and was present at the dawn/creation of the post-war multihull boom. A gifted designer, excellent helmsman, eloquent writer and determined promoter, he was the driving force behind the firm.
• Warren Seaman - Seaman was the consummate California waterman. He designed the famous Malibu Outrigger. Seaman designed the scantlings for the boats, and was also a coveted trimmer on any ocean race.
• Alfred Kumalae - Gifted engineer, builder and wood worker, and steeped in Polynesian canoe wisdom, Kumalae was the "ground" from which grew the firm’s authentic Polynesian roots.
• Vince Bartolone - Not an original partner, Bartolone joined the firm in the early ‘60’s, and was the artist and draftsman largely responsible for the character and style of C/S/K designs.

The C/S/K legacy continues today at Choy Design in Hawaii - with Rudy’s son Barry Choy at the helm.

Some C/S/K Cats

What yacht represents the "Sistine Chapel" of C/S/K? Well, I’m not qualified to say, but I am presenting my personal favorites.

Manu Kai - 1947

A forebear of C/S/K, the 38’-6" Manu Kai was designed and built in Hawaii by Woody Brown. Woody was inspired by the sailing canoes he had seen in the the Pacific during his tour of duty in WWII. His knowledge of aerodynamics and lightweight glider construction led to the remarkable cross-pollination of cultures that resulted in the first catamaran of the modern era. Woody was a Waikiki Beach Boy, along with Alfred and Rudy, so this catamaran was the catalyst for all that came after.

Aikane - 1957

Owned by Ken Murphy and the first big cat design of Rudy Choy, The 46’ Aikane was a resounding success - being first to finish in the 1957 Newport/Ensenada and the Trans-Pac. Aesthetically, She continued the style of the Waikiki beach boats, but in a newly refined manner that created a taut and beautifully balanced design. The bridge deck is a streamlined airfoil shape, and the deck cabin is perfectly proportioned. The sheerline is "just so" and the continuation of the sheer into the marvelous rudder is perfect. Of all the C/S/K designs, this is my favorite.

Patty Cat II - 1964

An exceptionally well-proportioned catamaran, 44’ PC II exemplifies the reverse sheer style of C/S/K. Radically light for its day, PC II still maintained perfectly cruisable interior volume and amenities. She won the 1966 Multihull Trans-Pac.

If anyone has some stories or anecdotes about C/S/K and their boats, please post them in the comments below.

 Catamarans  Designers  History