Yachtsman, sailmaker Ted Hood dies at 86

[July 06, 2013]  PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Ted Hood, a yachtsman, yacht designer and builder, and sailmaker from Rhode Island who captained the winner of the 1974 America's Cup, has died. He was 86.

Richard Hood said his father died June 28 in at a Middletown nursing home. He had pneumonia and heart troubles.

Considered an innovator, Ted Hood founded Hood Sailmakers in 1955. His sails were used on all the winning America's Cup yachts from 1958 to 1977, including the Courageous, which he sailed to victory in 1974.

Hood also founded Little Harbor Yachts and was elected to the America's Cup Hall of Fame and the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

His son says he was working on boat designs until his final days.

Hood is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan, and four children.

[Associated Press]

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