History of Yachting; Robin Knox-Johnson; Oxford, 1990; CA 16392

In the sixteenth century, the Dutch developed fast little warships called
jaghts which they used to torment their Spanish rulers.  Later these came to
be used in peacetime competition and, over the centuries, this "yachting"
had growing in to the highly sophisticated and competitive sport we now
enjoy.  From miniature men-of-war raced by royalty and the large yachts
built for the aristocracy which followed, there was a steady growth in the
number of vessels, and their challenges became a regular feature.  By 1851,
there were many clubs on both sides of the Atlantic organising racing
challenges.   This was the year that the schooner "America" crossed the
Atlantic to win "the cup".  Subsequent challenges for this "America's Cup"
feature throughout the book.  Cruising too has its place; the achievements
are included of, for example, Slocum, McMullen, the Brassey's, Knight and
later the Hiscocks, all of whom have left records of voyages that have
become classics.

During the Second World War, important new materials and techniques were
evolved, resulting in changes in design and construction.  New designs using
waterproof glues and plywoods followed, which allowed cheaper boats and
more home construction.  Many more people began to take up sailing.  The
final pages describe the later branches of the sport; moulded one designs,
windsurfers, multihulls (tried as early as 1663 in London), round-the-world
races and also the revival of the America's Cup, now a multinational event
sailed in 12 metre class boats.  The final pages cover single-handed
round-the-world races in which the author has featured.

Lavishly illustrated with reproductions of old paintings and photographs, as
well as excellent modern action shots, this book is an easy book to delve in
to.  A series of topic spreads such as Women In Yachting, Cowes or Fashion
Afloat punctuate the text.  Sadly there are no design line drawings.
Although compressing time in to so few pages allows for little detail, the
author gives a bold outline of the genesis of the sport. The resilience of
the America's Cup competition comes through strongly. 

In six sections, three covering the years 1600 - 1914, one 1918 - 1939 and
two more the years to 1990, this history is condensed to 160 pages. It is not really a reference book but a good read for general background with lovely pictures. – NM

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