One of the designers of The Spirit of Bermuda, Michael William (Bill) Langan, has died at the age of 55 after a battle with leukaemia.Just two months ago, Mr Langan was honoured with the prestigious Leadership Award by the International Superyacht Society (ISS), recognised by his peers for his outstanding contributions to the standards, prestige and character of the luxury yachting industry.Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Mr Langan competed in most of the major ocean sailing races around the world. Starting in the sport on Long Island Sound aged ten, he was proud to have participated in 20 consecutive Newport Bermuda Races, his first aged 15, and to eventually serve as the race's Technical Director.In 1998, he fulfilled his own dream to found Langan Design Associates, Inc. of Newport, Rhode Island, and settled his family in Jamestown.Today Alan Burland, chairman of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, said: "His passing is a major loss to all of us and we will miss him greatly. We are so grateful to Bill for his friendship, his superb design and management skills, and his unwavering support of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation."With all of you at LDA, he created a real gem with Spirit of Bermuda. Spirit is a masterful and complex blend of historical and modern day designs."She looks great and has proven to be safe, reliable and fast - a true testimony to his design prowess."Bill got right into the detail when needed and constantly gave us clarion, and practical advice. He was intuitive and wisely raised topics early - before they became difficult issues."He was always available, and provided timely input, wherever he was. Even in the past year, with his great contacts, and working from home, he willingly and freely assisted with addressing some of the ABS matters."He understood our cause and generously, and honourably, lived within the early design budgets even though there were numerous reasons to approach this another way."Most impressively, despite our financial restraints, he never waivered in providing the very best input and resources needed. It is impossible for us to thank Bill enough. He was a wonderful decent person, a great leader, a real gem."We will be forever grateful for Bill's friendship and guidance and, on behalf of the entire Bermuda Sloop Foundation family, we would like to express our deepest condolences."A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 8, at 2pm at St Matthew's Episcopal Church in Jamestown, where Mr Langan and his family are members.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given in Mr Langan's name to The Jimmy Fund, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445-7226.