'Stewart 34' the story of where top America's Cup sailors began

by George Backhus on 21 Nov 2009 Just published, this 182 page, A4 size book documents the extraordinary history of one of the most significant one-design class racing/cruising yachts in New Zealand history.

If you have ever wondered how sailors from a small country in a remote corner of the world came to successfully challenge and defend the America’s Cup, here is the background story. If you want to know how NZ yachtsmen like Brad Butterworth, Russell Coutts and Chris Dickson developed skills that propelled them into the America’s Cup and the world’s grand prix yacht racing arena, you will want to read this book.

The Stewart 34, early on known as the 'Patiki,' literally changed the face of NZ yachting and the world standing of NZ yachtsmen. There are plenty of colour photos, a bio on each of the 63 Stewart 34’s built and loads of entertaining 'sailor’s stories' from the many characters who’ve sailed on Stewarts over the past 50 years.

Included with the book is a professionally produced DVD containing one hour of exciting yacht racing footage from the Citizen Watch Match Racing Series (1979 to 1989), a Stewart 34 slide show, an extensive photo gallery and an archive of articles, clippings and other trivia collected by members of the Stewart 34 Owner’s Association.

If you have ever owned or sailed on a Stewart 34 you will want to own this book.

If you know someone who has owned or sailed on a Stewart 34, or is just plain keen on yachting, then this will make an ideal Christmas present.

If you would like to know what it takes to keep a one-design class viable for half a century, then you will want to read this book.

'Stewart 34 Yachting belongs on the bookshelf of every Stewart 34 owner and crew-past and present' -Boating NZ.

The book can be signed by the author upon request.

ISBN 978-0-473-14733-4

Price for a hard cover book+DVD is NZD$79 and for soft cover book+DVD is NZD$59. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please visit the Stewart 34 web site at www.stewart34.co.nz.