The Great Classic Yacht Revival - Hardcover

Compton, Nic

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0789315165 ISBN 13: 9780789315168

Publisher: Rizzoli Universe Promotional Books, 2006

Synopsis

The Great Classic Yacht Revival traces the traditional yacht movement, from its peak in the 1930s to its eclipse in the 1960s and how, since then, it has risen from the backwaters of boating to become the most stylish worldwide phenomenon. Traditional yachts feature unparalleled levels of craftsmanship and elegant design and permit a much more intimate connection to navigation and sailing than their modern descendants. Landmark restorations and new-builds are examined in detail—from the most authentic to the most contemporary "modern classics"—together with in-depth discussions on the central issues facing the vessels' restorers and their owners. The book features a host of international regattas and glamorous yachting circuits that bear witness to a prolific number of admiring eyes on polished brass, varnished teak, and hand-stitched canvas.

About this title

About the Author

Nic Compton spent his childhood on and around boats. An English graduate from Exeter University, he tried his hand at boatbuilding for a few years before becoming a full-time journalist. After a brief spell on the Western Morning News he became deputy editor then editor of Classic Boat from 1994-2000. He now works as a freelance writer/photographer contributing to Sailing, Nautique, Practical Boat Owner and Yachts & Yachting. He was editor of The Official Book of the America's Cup Jubilce (Notre Voie, 2002) and wrote his first book Sailing Solo for Mitchell Beazley in 2003. Olin Stephens, who writes the foreword to this book, designed his first yacht in 1931 at the age of 21. Dorade won the famous Fastnet race that year and was followed by Stormy Weather, which won the Fastnet in 1935. The two boats became the foundation stone of the newly created Sparkman & Stephens, which would ultimately become the most successful American design firm ever. Olin co-designed his first America's Cup yacht in 1937 (the J-Class Ranger) and went on to design five more Cup defenders (all unbeaten) - a record only matched by that other US design legend Nat Herreshoff. Now in his 90s, he has again become more active on the classic yacht circuit since Dorade and Stormy Weather were restored in Italy in the late 1990s. The author, Nic Compton sailed with him on Stormy Weather after she was relaunched in 2001. Olin Stephens is truly a living legend, the guru of the classic-yacht scene today.

Review

"This is a large-format book of beautiful photos of beautiful boats...once you open this book, it is hard to close it." -- SouthWinds

Edition details

• Publisher: Rizzoli Universe Promotional Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0789315165
• ISBN 13: 9780789315168
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192