I lay much emphasis on my working surroundings.

As my organisation developed from the success of my earliest racing designs I was lucky to find myself a peaceful home which also happens to be a natural and convenient location for my work. Ireland is situated between our most important markets, Europe and the USA. One hour's flying time to London puts me as close to international connections as if I was living on the south coast of England or in Newport, Rhode Island. Currabinny is not difficult to justify. This location, among the farmlands south of Cork City and on the water's edge of the Crosshaven River, has turned out to be an ideal setting. Opposite resides the oldest yacht club in the world, the Royal Cork, established in 1720, and the comings and goings of cruising yachts from all over the world is an everpresent reminder of what my organisation is all about-the full enjoyment of life afloat.

I keep in touch with clients, yacht builders and equipment suppliers as easily as if my organisation was located in a major city. Telephone, telex, telefax and electronic mail allow us to take full advantage of an atmosphere conducive to uninterrupted work, creative ideas and reflective study.

Ron Holland Yacht Design has developed into a very capable team of talented and dedicated people who have experience of the racing background and its transition into the expanding design requirements of the larger projects. This team has the responsibility of producing detail drawings that reflect my interpretation and understanding of the clients' requirements, taking advantage of the experienced advice of builder and equipment specialists. Ours is a complete operation, which is capable of orchestrating the entire project from initial concept to first cruise.

There is a dramatic contrast between the external scene of the traditional Irish farmyard at the