The man behind Squeak

INTRODUCTION | PHOTO ALBUM | THE BOAT | THE VOYAGE | THE BOOK

Stephen G. Ladd was born in Bremerton, Washington in 1953. As a child he was happy to sit in a corner reading books of history or geography. After high school he traveled through Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, passing a traumatic month in a Moroccan prison. He navigated the crisis of his youth alone in foreign cultures.

Upon his return, Steve studied urban planning, obtaining degrees from Western Washington and Harvard Universities. From 1976 to 1990 he worked for various cities, writing land use plans and environmental regulations. He also played piano and accordion and spent one week each year solo cross-country skiing in the Cascades wilderness.

1987 found Steve still single, hardy, and non-materialistic, so he spent three years designing and building the 12-foot "Squeak" and three more years sailing her through nineteen countries.

Steve returned home in 1993. He finished his manuscript and again planned for cities. In 2007 he temporarily retired to travel with partner Ginny Phelan. In December of 2009 they launched their 21' Seapearl in Florida and began a new voyage. Follow their progress here: http://ginnyandsteve.blogspot.com

To contact Steve Ladd please email: lcomplication@gmail.com

Back to the Introduction page