William P. Stephens, long known as the "Dean of American Yachtsmen", and "The grand old man of American Yaching" was born in Philadelphia, Aug. 5, 1854. He was a graduate of Rutgers Preparatory School and Rutgers College in 1873 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. His interests were mechanics, yachting, railroads, and opera. He first became interested in boating while in college, and later built his first boat, a Rob Roy Canoe.

In 1878 Stephens worked for the John Roach Shipyard in Chester, Pa., and remained there for two years. After that he started a boat shop in West Brighton, Staten Island where for five years he designed and built canoes and small yachts. In 1880 he was one of the founders of the American Canoe Association. In 1883 he was offered and accepted the post of canoeing and yachting editor of Forest and Stream, a position he held for many years. He was also one of the organizers of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. In 1903 he was the editor of Lloyd's Register of American Yachts, a post he held for 29 years. William P. Stephens had a vast knowledge of the history and development of yacht designs, and a thorough knowledge of boats.

He wrote a column in the magazine Forest and Stream, and had also contributed many articles to other publications as well. He held memberships in the Humber Yawl Club, the New York Canoe Club, the Royal St. Lawrence and Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Clubs and was a charter member and historian of the Cruising Club of America. William P. Stephens' life was devoted to the sport he loved best, and he wrote extensively on the subject. His books include: Canoe and Boatbuilding for Amateurs; Supplement to Small Yachts; American Yachting, and Traditions and Memoirs of American Yachting. William P. Stephens died on May 10, 1946 at his home in Bayside, N.Y. at the age of 91.