In 1962, the legendary Corny Shields tasked Olin Stephens (Sparkman & Stephens) with designing the Shields One Design. An active promoter, he got the class off to a flying start by donating fleets to US maritime academies as a 3-man training keelboat.

At 30 feet, the Shields is long and sleek. The large mainsail, jib, and conventional spinnaker are balanced by a full keel and attached rudder, making this sloop easy to sail, but challenging to master. No high-tech, go-fast tricks, one new sail a year, and mandatory wet sailing keep older boats competitive for highly tactical racing.

Cape Cod Shipbuilding built the first Shields in 1963 and the boat continues to be produced by this well-known yard. The class is active in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and California.