classic

New Zealand has a remarkable maritime history and many of us have a close relationship with the sea that surrounds us. No sooner had the first European settlers arrived in Auckland than they held a regatta to celebrate and the first pure racing/pleasure yachts were built from the 1880s onwards, by the famous houses of Logan and Bailey. More than 100 years later, many of these masterpieces are still going strong and their remarkable life stories of success, neglect and restoration tell a story of New Zealand’s history. Renowned yachting writer and photographer, Ivor Wilkins, showcases the leading lights of the recent classic yacht revival movement: big names such as Waitangi, Rainbow and Ariki, treasures such as Little Jim and Rona and the classic dinghies and launches which dot our coast. It is a tribute both to the original builders of these magnificent craft, 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 book tells the fascinating stories of these boats and at the same time tells a story of New Zealand’s own history.