Book of the Week-Classic-The Revival of Classic Boating in New Zealand

by Rob Tickner on 6 Dec 2010 Classic boats are treasured the world over, but this book concentrates on the classic boats of just one country - New Zealand, the country that probably sports more sailing-mad enthusiasts per square kilometre than any other country in the world. It's called: Classic: The Revival of Classic Boating in New Zealand

Waitangi, Rainbow and Ariki, Little Jim and Rona, the names may be little known in the rest of the world, but these are the names of elegant and magnificent classic boats that excite the attention of anyone who comes across them out on New Zealand’s coastal waters.

Now renowned yachting writer and photographer Ivor Wilkins’ stunning coffee-table book celebrates their power and grace and the people who have restored them to their glory.

These boats are a direct link to New Zealand’s remarkable maritime history. No sooner had the first European settlers arrived in Auckland, for example, than they held a regatta to celebrate.

The first pure racing/pleasure yachts were built from the 1880s onwards by the famous houses of Logan and Bailey, and more than 100 years later many of these masterpieces are still going strong — largely due to New Zealand's very durable, beautiful kauri timber. Their remarkable life stories of success, neglect and restoration tell the story of New Zealand’s history.

Ivor Wilkins shares the stories of these beautiful boats from the Victorian and Edwardian periods and of the people behind them, showcasing the leading lights of the recent classic yacht revival movement.

Each boat is a tribute not only to the original builders but also to their current owners and restorers, who have gone to what might seem incomprehensible lengths to bring them back to their former glory and return them to home waters.

Lavishly illustrated with contemporary and historic photographs, this is a landmark book that anyone with an interest in yachts, launches and sailing dinghies, craftsmanship and design or New Zealand's heritage, coast and history, will cherish.

A wonderful gift for a very special sailor!

It is a Random House production. If you can't find it in your local marine bookshop, you can buy it online by clicking http://www.randomhouse.co.nz/Search_9.aspx?search=Classic:%20The%20Revival%20of%20Classic%20Boating%20in%20New%20Zealand!HERE.