Nearly a dozen classic hand-crafted yachts lined the docks at Village West Marina and Resort on Saturday, to honor the more than a century-old legacy of Stephens Brothers Boat Builders and Designers during a biennial gathering.
The Stephens Yacht Rendezvous showcased vessels crafted in Stockton from as early as 1926, in an effort to bring attention to the company’s craftsmanship. Organizers hoped the event would show the need for preserving the history of the wooden yachts.
Founded in 1902 by brothers Thod Stephens and Roy Stephens along the San Joaquin River, the company became a leading boat builder on the West Coast, producing over 1,200 vessels ranging from sailboats and cruisers to military craft that supported efforts in four wars…