Owen David Architecture

Like architecture, boats inspire a sense of awe and wonder. They are undoubtedly objects of aesthetic beauty, yet like buildings, their design and construction is driven by the underlying functional demands of use, performance, occupation and durability. It is this likeness with architecture that has drawn Owen to the niche world of boat design.

Even though Owen had never sailed before, he did not let this stop him taking on the ambitious project to build a sailboat. The result is a testament to his woodworking skills and craftmanship, truly a work of art on water. The design is called a Stevenson Weekender, chosen primarily for its stylish lines. The hull is of Marine plywood construction with a variety of hardwood trims, hoop pine spars and cedar strip decking. It has a small cabin for dinghy camping and boasts a gaff cutter rig of sails. It took 2 ½ years of dedicated work to complete the project. ‘The Cutlass Black’ as it has come to be known, is sailed regularly around the waterways of the South Coast and beyond.

The Cutlass Black was proudly showcased at the 2026 Paynesville Classic Boat Rally.