History and Evolution of Sailing and Yachts

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.