Legendary American yacht designer Olin Stephens will celebrate his 100th birthday on Sunday.

One of the most celebrated designers in the world, Stephens started his long career at 19, when he became an apprentice to a successful 6-meter designer, and by 21, he’d joined forces with Drake Sparkman, starting with the launch of the famousDoradein 1930. In 1937, in collaboration with Starling Burgess, Stephens designed the Super-J, Ranger, selected to defend the Americas Cup after only seven races.

His connection with the Americas Cup continued when it returned after the war, designing six of the seven succesful defenders between 1958 and 1980.

He hasn’t quite retired however – he still acts as an advisor to rating rules committees. Happy Birthday Olin!