Publisher's Synopsis
A finely drawn and luxuriously illustrated panorama of yachting history presenting the most beautiful objects ever created by the imagination and hands of men. This book presents a sweeping survey of spectacular yachts, brought to life in 79 superb engravings and period paintings by marine artists and 550 full colour and monochrome photographs - from the earliest yachts based on working boats to the revolution wrought by America, the first winner of the America's Cup. The origins of sailing; Holland - birthplace of the yacht; The first yachts; The British cutter; The American sloop; The first race; The first yacht clubs; 19th century - first golden age of yachting; Germany - a new force in yachting; France and the Mediterranean; The America's Cup; Fisherman races; Ocean racing; Single-handed voyagers; The inter-war decades; The big class era in Britain; USA - from the big schooners to the modern yacht; Fastnet race; The new yachting revival; Admiral's Cup; Sydney to Hobart; Whitbread Round-the-World; Regattas at the end of the Millennium; Hi-tech yacht design; Masts, shrouds and sails; Ratings - then and now.
