cover image 80 Years of Yachting

80 Years of Yachting

. Dodd Mead, $0 (291pp) ISBN 978-0-396-08958-2

In recognition of Yachting magazine's 80th anniversary, Robinson, a former editor, here reprints articles that will appeal to both active and anchored sailors. We relive major competitive yachting events, experience storms at sea and worldwide cruising, and take part in wartime activities (PT boats in the Pacific). There are stories illustrated with color photosthe last of the New Bedford whalers; luxury steam yachts and the cost of their upkeep, circa 1907; the Coast Guard's battles with rumrunners during Prohibition. President Franklin D. Roosevelt skippers the Amberjack II and loses part of his naval escort (1933); Ann Davison and Francis Chichester talk about single-handed sailing; both Irving Johnson in the South Pacific and Donald MacMillan in the Arctic discuss estimating water depth in uncharted areas. We hear about the Mary Celeste from a relative; Bus Mosbacher talks about racing, and Olin Stephens II offers a piece on tank tests. From a committee boat during the 1977 America's Cup trials, John Hersey looks at the new technology. Robinson has found something for everybody in the pages of Yachting. Dolphin Book Club alternate. (June)