In the annals of American yacht building, Formula Yachts of Groton, Connecticut, carved a niche for itself as a producer of spirited, high-performance sailing yachts during its relatively short tenure from 1979 to 1985. Founded by the innovative designer and builder Robert Evelyn, the company became synonymous with light displacement, fast racer-cruisers that left a lasting impression on the East Coast sailing scene.
The Origin Story
Formula Yachts was established in Groton, Connecticut, in 1979 by Edward Robert "Bob" Evelyn. Evelyn himself was a notable figure in the marine industry, recognized for his expertise as both a sailboat designer and builder. His vision for Formula Yachts was to create a line of light displacement, fast racer-cruisers, embodying a philosophy that prioritized speed and performance without sacrificing the cruising capabilities essential for recreational sailors. While specific details on the very first boat produced by Formula Yachts are not widely detailed, the company's inception marked Evelyn's commitment to bringing his performance-oriented designs directly to the market through his own manufacturing facility.
History and Evolution
Formula Yachts operated for a concise period, from 1979 to 1985. During these years, the company focused on building sailboats designed by Robert Evelyn himself. This allowed for a direct translation of Evelyn's design principles into the finished product, ensuring that each vessel adhered to his vision for speed and efficiency on the water. While there were no major corporate changes like mergers or acquisitions during its brief existence, the company's output contributed to the reputation of Robert Evelyn as a designer of competitive and enjoyable sailing yachts.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Robert Evelyn, and by extension Formula Yachts, gained a reputation for crafting "light displacement, fast racer-cruisers." This design philosophy emphasized a balance between competitive racing performance and comfortable cruising amenities. Boats from Formula Yachts were known for their ability to perform well on the racecourse while still providing the necessary comforts for weekend cruising or longer voyages. Evelyn's designs were characterized by their efficient hull forms and a focus on minimizing weight, a hallmark of performance-oriented sailboat design. While Formula Yachts was Evelyn's own building venture, his designs, such as the Evelyn 25 and Evelyn 32, gained recognition in the sailing community.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Among the most recognized models associated with Robert Evelyn's designs and Formula Yachts' production is the Evelyn 32. At least the initial seven hulls of the Evelyn 32 were built at Evelyn's Formula Yachts facility in Groton, CT. This model epitomized the company's commitment to producing fast, yet versatile, sailboats. Another notable design by Bob Evelyn was the Evelyn 25, a trailerable sailboat designed as a racer-cruiser and first built in 1984. While the direct builder of all Evelyn 25s is not specified as exclusively Formula Yachts, it aligns with the period of the company's operation and Evelyn's design focus. These designs, though produced in relatively limited numbers due to the company's short lifespan, left a mark on performance sailing, appealing to sailors who valued a boat's speed and agility.
The Builder Today
Formula Yachts ceased operations in 1985, bringing to a close its six-year chapter in the boat-building industry. Although the company itself is no longer active, the legacy of Robert Evelyn's designs endures. Bob Evelyn continued to be an influential yacht designer and builder until his passing in 2025. The sailboats he designed, particularly those built during the Formula Yachts era, are still appreciated by enthusiasts for their sailing characteristics. While there isn't a modern "Formula Yachts" company, the spirit of performance-oriented, well-designed racer-cruisers that Robert Evelyn championed continues to resonate within the sailing community, with his designs occasionally appearing on the used boat market, sought after by those who appreciate their blend of speed and sailing enjoyment.
