Rowdy - Hardcover

Christopher Madsen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0996026002 ISBN 13: 9780996026000

Publisher: CPM Publishing, 2015

Synopsis

A newly unearthed gem in American history, Rowdy by Christopher Madsen is, perhaps, one of the most highly awarded books of 2015. Rowdy is a 1920s adventure and love story that follows the colorful history of the famous 1916 racing yacht for which the book is titled. The tale, rediscovered and pieced back together by Madsen during his six year renovation of the yacht, centers on the life of the original owner, New York senator Holland Sackett Duell as he is immersed in The Great War, politics at the highest level, the birth of Hollywood, fortunes and mansions, love affairs as well as scandalous affairs and, of course, the thrill of illustrious New York Yacht Club sailing aboard his yacht Rowdy. Fully bringing to life the era and flair of Gatsby and Hemmingway, Rowdy, by contrast, is completely true, historically significant, and meticulously documented in support of the authenticity.

100 years after her launch, Rowdy (the yacht) is still making history. She is berthed in the Mediterranean and, in such playgrounds as Cannes and Monaco, she has won hundreds of races against the finest classic yachts in the world. As Sandman Yacht Company stated this yacht has indeed dominated her class at the classic regattas making her probably the most successful classic race winner on the Mediterranean Circuit EVER.

This elegant 8 ½ x 11 hard cover, accented with gold leaf stamping, blind deboss, a rounded spine with spine hubs (ribs) and a woven burgundy book mark ribbon, portrays the look and feel of worn, vintage leather; an enjoyable compliment to the old world feel in which the entire story is told. Not only is this a magnificent coffee table book, but the rich and timeless content within also render Rowdy a worthy and rare compliment to the classic section of any fine library.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

When Christopher Madsen made the snap decision—perhaps a rash decision—to buy and renovate the 1916 yacht for which this story is named, he could scarcely have imagined the consequences that were to follow. Unexpectedly, during the course of the renovation, a window into Rowdy's past was opened, metaphorically whisking Christopher back in time. Seduced by tantalizing clues and glimpses into the personal life of the original owner, he was steadily drawn deeper into the investigation. In 2002, ninety-three-year-old Hanny, Holland Duell's only surviving child, came aboard her father's boat for the first time in 83 years, and from that moment forward, the fading memories of a most amazing cast of characters were slowly and magically brought back to life. The emerging story, bringing to life the era and flair of Hemingway and Gatsby, progressively grew, becoming more and more complex and sensational—at times to the point of disbelief. The incredible life journey of Holland Duell, decorated World War I major, celebrated New York state senator, powerful patent attorney, and highly accomplished sailor, is told here from an intimately personal perspective as he is immersed in the Great War, politics at the highest level, the birth of Hollywood, fortunes and mansions, love and romance, and scandalous affairs. The epic tale, far from being a story exclusively for sailors, is a gripping, fast-paced adventure and love story, made all the more amazing by the fact that it is completely true, historically significant, and meticulously documented. A newly unearthed gem in American history, Rowdy will enjoyably transport the reader back in time to the Golden Age of Yachting—AND EVER SO MUCH MORE!

Midwest Book Review – "a strong recommendation for sailors and non-sailors alike."
Readers’ Favorite – "FIVE STAR. A gem of a book!"
IndieReader – "Rowdy is an engrossing story of a unique racing yacht and the people who sailed her."
Foreword Reviews – "an intriguing true story of love, war, politics, Hollywood, and wealth at its highest level." FIVE STARS
Feathered Quill Book Reviews – "Rowdy is certainly a wonderful read. It’s interesting, well-written and provides a consistent stream of historical facts."
Reader Views – "a FIVE-STAR read for history and sailing lovers alike"

Awards (award seals at http://www.rowdystory.com)
Non Fiction Book Awards - Gold Medal Award Winner
IndieReader Discovery - Award Winner Biography
International Book Awards - Biography, Award Winning Finalist
Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Biography, Award Winning Finalist
San Francisco Book Festival - Biography, Award Winning Honorable Mention
New York Book Festival – Biography, Award Winning Honorable Mention

About the Author

Christopher Madsen grew up in Santa Barbara, California. He bought his first boat at the age of 18 and, over the next 40 years, logged hundreds of trips to the Santa Barbara Channel Islands which lie 20 miles offshore. It was this love of the ocean that put him in the same orbit as Rowdy when she became available for purchase. Six years and 25,000 hours later, with Rowdy s renovation completed, Madsen entered the former New York Yacht Club champion in her first race in 50 years, winning 1st in class. Madsen's twin daughters were born soon afterwards and, in order to spend as much time as possible with them, he sold Rowdy in early 2006. But during those many years in the boatyard, the story of Rowdy s past had begun to emerge and, when Madsen sold the yacht and put down his tools, he picked up a pen and embarked on another seven year project in creating this book. The publication of this book, however, in no way marks the end of the story. The current chapter is now taking place in the Mediterranean where Rowdy was relocated to by her new owner. Monaco and Cannes are her playground where she has won race after race competing against the finest classic yachts in the world. Among many other victories there, Rowdy won the coveted Rolex Trophy in Les Voiles De Saint Tropez in both 2008 and 2009. She tied for first place in 2010 but, after losing a pick from a hat to settle the draw, Rowdy accepted second place!! As Sandman Yacht Company stated this yacht has indeed dominated her class at the classic regattas making her probably the most successful classic race winner on the Mediterranean Circuit EVER.

About this edition

• Publisher: CPM Publishing
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0996026002
• ISBN 13: 9780996026000
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 468
• Editor: Book Designer: Terri Wright, Editor: Barbara Willette
• Illustrator: Christopher Madsen