Frederick Emmart “Ted” Hood, BC ’50, renowned sailmaker and founder of Hood Sail, died on June 28, 2013. He was 86.
Hood was known as unique in seafaring circles for his ability to excel not only as a sailor, but also as a designer and builder of both yachts and sails. His company, Hood Sailmakers, was the world’s largest manufacturer of sails during the 1960s and 70s, and he would count such magnates as Ted Turner as friends during his life on the seas.
“Ted was a standout graduate and an innovative pioneer in his industry—he is the epitome of Wentworth’s innovation and entrepreneurship spirit,” said Wentworth President Zorica Panti?. “Ted led by example and became one of the most influential and revered names in the boating world. From his success here at Wentworth to his achievements on the water and in the business world, Ted was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.”
A native of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Hood built his first boat at the age of 13, triggering a lifelong passion. He originally attended New England College in New Hampshire before transferring to Wentworth to study building construction. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Hood graduated from Wentworth and founded Hood Sailmakers in 1955. Hood was the first sail maker to weave his own sail, and is credited with early designs for grooved head stays and other breakthroughs.
When Hood Sailmakers grew to a worldwide level, Hood found an unprecedented string of success as his company supplied the sails to every one of the America’s Cup winners between 1958 and 1977. Hood was also known to take to the water himself, winning the Mallory Cup in 1956, the Newport-to-Bermuda race in 1968, and the Marblehead-to-Halifax race in both 1961 and 1971.
It was during Hood’s tenure as a member of the New York Yacht Club, though, that he found the most success, winning the 1974 America’s Cup by guiding his boat, Courageous, to a 4-0 triumph over Australia. Ted Turner would later skipper the Courageous in the 1977 America’s Cup race.
Hood would later turn his attention away from sail-making and onto the design and construction of boats, specifically sailboats and yachts. Hood sold his business in 1999, but remained active in design work helping to create a series of catamarans and heavy offshore yachts. In 2006, the “serious-minded, better than average student” (as he was described in the 1950 Wentworth yearbook) released his autobiography, Ted Hood: Through Hand and Eye, published through Mystic Seaport. He is a member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, as well as the National Sailing Hall of Fame.
Hood is survived by his wife Susan; sons Ted, Richard, and Robert; daughter Nancy; and eight grandchildren.
—Greg Abazorius
