The American designer of the sloop Spirit of Bermuda has died following a long illness.Michael William “Bill” Langan, 55, died on December 31 at the Dana Farber Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston. The cause of death was leukaemia.Bermuda Sloop Foundation chairman Alan Burland 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.”A keen sailor, Mr Langan participated in 20 consecutive Newport to Bermuda yacht races, starting at the age of 15. For a while he served also as the race’s technical director.A resident of Jamestown, Rhode Island, Mr Langan ran the firm Langan Design Associates out of Newport.Since 1998, the firm designed over 40 vessels, including the Spirit, which Mr Burland commended as “a real gem”.He said: “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.”Based on a concept created by Bermudian Bill Nash and American Peter Boudreau, Mr Langan and his associate Sam Howell came up with a modern style for the Spirit.Mr Burland said: “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 American Bureau of Shipping 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 said Mr Langan had made repeated trips to the Island over 25 years and had been hired by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation based on his formidable reputation.“As the foundation’s project manager I was in constant contact with him, and I found Bill a tremendous man to work with.”Launched in 2006, the Spirit of Bermuda is based on the traditional Bermudian schooner, but built from moulded wood and epoxy resin. The carbon-fibre masts reach a top height of 93ft.Mr Langan went on to design the Eos, a 305ft, three masted Bermuda rigged schooner said to be one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world.He is survived by his wife, Candace Register Langan, and two children, Tom and Annie.A memorial service will be held on Saturday at St Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown.