L. (Lewis) Francis Herreshoff (November 11, 1890 – December 1972), was a boat designer, naval architect, editor, and author of books and magazine articles.

The Herreshoff Manufacturing Company was known for producing high-quality yachts and racing sailboats.

In 1926, he went into business for himself in Marblehead, Massachusetts, as a designer of racing and pleasure yachts, canoes, kayaks and other small craft.

[2] In addition to his practical work in boat design, L. Francis Herreshoff also made significant contributions as an editor and author.

Herreshoff's success as an author is especially impressive in one sense; his dyslexia had led his father to shunt him into agricultural school.