[2][3] Shaw was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1926 and graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy of Kings Point, NY in 1947.

After completing his tenure in the Navy, Bill was able to pursue his dream of yacht design.

He joined the renowned firm of Sparkman & Stephens Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (S&S) in October 1952 as a designer.

In 1961, he became a manager of Products of Asia, and was the chief designer of the America's Cup defender Columbia.

[6]Tom Hazelhurst remarked, "Under Bill's tutelage, they built damn good boats.