SHANNON YACHTS
  • Founded in 1975 by Walt Schulz

  • International reputation for offshore integrity

  • Over a million bluewater water miles logged including circumnavigations and transoceanic passages

  • Designs for husband/wife teams to cruise anywhere safely and comfortably

  • Unbroken chain of evolutionary yacht design and construction

  • More experience than any other company currently building offshore yachts

Shannon Boat Company was founded by Walt Schulz in Bristol, Rhode Island in 1975 with the intent to design and build offshore yachts to the highest quality standards. Over the years, Shannons have earned an International reputation for quality construction and offshore integrity. Shannons have logged over a million bluewater miles, including an impressive list of circumnavigations and many transoceanic passages, mostly by husband and wife teams. Every major harbor in the world has been visited by a Shannon. Shannon's boatbuilding experience is an unbroken, evolutionary chain from Shannon 38#1 built back in 1975 to the present day. During every week, there always has been a new Shannon being constructed under Walt Schulz's personal direction. No company building semi-custom yachts anywhere can demonstrate comparable passagemaking records, a stable management team and a consistent uncompromised standard of quality since 1975.

Walter Schulz Founder and President. In February of 1975, he moved to Rhode Island and started work on the 38' sailboat of his own design that would launch the Shannon line. As a hands-on President, Schulz oversees engineering and production at Shannon, and participates in the company’s sales, IT, marketing, accounting, and administration. Schulz is acknowledged in the marine industry for producing yachts of consistently high quality over three decades, and is recognized as a design and engineering leader and innovator. All Shannon models from 28 to 53 feet have been designed by Schulz. He has received four marine-related U.S. Patents for his design work. Schulz attended New York University, Parsons School of Design, and Montclair University, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree. Prior to founding Shannon Boat Company, Schulz worked in advertising /public relations, and managed marinas in the Norfolk, CT area, specializing in boat manufacturers’ warranty support. Schulz has written numerous articles that have been published in various yachting magazines over the years, and he has spoken before many trade, professional, and community agencies. His first full-length book about yachts and his experiences as a
Walt Schulz
builder is due to be published in 2015. According to Ferenc Mate in The World’s Best Sailboats, Vol. II, “Walter Schulz is the last of a wonderful breed- the complete boatbuilder. He designs boats … and then builds(them)-always interesting and invariably one of the world’s best yachts.”
William Ramos
William Ramos Vice President A native of Bristol, RI, he started out as a part-time fiberglass production worker for Walter Schulz in 1975. After completing school, his full time employment at Shannon began in 1978. He is a graduate of Brown University and Cornell Law School, and is admitted to practice law before the RI and U.S. District Court Bars. He is responsible for Shannon’s sales and marketing, purchasing, administration, and customer service. During his tenure at the company, Ramos personally has sold over $100 million in new and brokerage Shannons, and has helped to create Shannon Boat Company’s image as one of the world’s premier yacht builders. Ramos is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspect of yacht sales, construction, service, and operations.
Thomas Quinlan Thomas Quinlan is a graduate of Diman Vocational School, Fall River, MA; and started his career as a carpenter/shipwright in the marine industry at Alden/Freedom Yachts. Quinlan has been employed at Shannon since 1979. He was promoted to cabinet shop foreman, Production Manager, and then Vice President in charge of all aspects of construction and personnel at the company. His responsibilities include bringing to reality the creations of Walter Schulz, as well as scheduling Shannon’s manpower and material needs on a day-to-day basis, and supervising the maintenance of the 26,000 square foot production facility and extensive yacht construction equipment and tools. Quinlan also interfaces with all Shannon owners during the construction process, gathering the information necessary for work change orders. He also is Shannon’s best woodworker, personally creating the most detailed cabinetry to finish each yacht
Erin Schulz-Lanza
Erin Frances Schulz Managing Director She assists with new build and brokerage sales, advises on yacht designs, and handles all marketing, advertising and office administration. An accomplished blue-water sailor and published author, Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Fordham University and a master’s degree in international affairs from American University. She grew up sailing Shannons and has been involved with the company for over a decade. She shares her father’s love of antique yachts and is a member of the Classic Yacht Association and the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association.

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