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Charley Morgan was born in Chicago, but raised in Florida and attended the University of Tampa. First becoming a sail maker, Morgan’s interest in boats led him to design some notable racing sailboats, including the famous Paper Tiger, a 40’ boat that won the SORC (Southern Ocean Racing Conference) championships in 1961 and 1962. Morgan Yacht was founded in 1962 on the property now producing Catalina yachts in Largo. In 1968 the company was sold to Beatrice Foods to fund the building and campaigning of Heritage in the America’s Cup series. Heritage, skippered by Charley, lost as defender to Intrepid in the America's Cup trials of 1970. Intrepid was the only three time America's Cup winner in history, finally winning with Ted Turner as skipper in 1977. After leaving Morgan Yacht he founded Heritage Yacht and designed for other companies. Perhaps his most well-known design is the Out Island 41, the most popular sailing yacht over 40’ ever built. He is an art historian, a watercolorist, and is still designing boats. He lives in St. Pete Beach.