Alan Gilbert has been “messing around in boats” for over 70 years, being first smitten by the experience when he was put in a sailing dinghy. Many years later, and hundreds of miles of boating, it became obvious that if you don’t want to work a day in your life, you should make your avocation your vocation. Thus, he pursued studies at the University of Michigan, majoring in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, and a graduate degree in Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. Professionally he has extensive experience in tank testing, the design/naval architecture of commercial, military vessels, and last first love yachts.  Alan had the good fortune of working at Sparkman & Stephens for 27 years, in the capacity of Chief Engineer, Executive VP, and a major owner in the firm. He currently has his own firm which provides varied consulting services.

Having been blessed with good fortune, caring mentors during his career, he decided to “pay forward”. It is for the above reasons that Mr. Gilbert is supporting several yacht related charitable and not for profit organizations, one of which is The Landing School, in his capacity as an academic advisor, Trustee, and donor.