In the Spirit of Tradition: Old and New Classic Yachts [Hardcover]

Jill Bobrow (Author), Dana Jinkins (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 1997

Fifty classic wooden yachts are featured in this handsomely illustrated book from the authors of the highly acclaimed Classic Yacht Interiors.

The term classic yachts invokes many images: long bow sprits, impeccable sheer lines and tiny transoms, teak decks, varnished trim, and sparkling brass. Some of the great sailboats come to mind: Altair, Lelantina, So Fong, and Ticonderoga, to name a few. But there are also the motor yachts such as Principia or the classic J boats Shamrock V and Endeavour. Some feel that classic yachts have to be at least fifty years old and built of wood, and while In the Spirit of Tradition is primarily about old wooden boats, there are some new yachts as well, such as Hetairos and Radiance, true to the "classic" style.

Fifty yachts are shown with historical and current photographs and textual information. Additionally, there are profiles of the people today who love and restore classic yachts. This lush, beautiful book is the most complete, up-to-date book on classic yachts ever produced. 250 full-color photographs

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jill Bobrow has collaborated on a number of sailing and yachting books.

Dana Jinkins's books include Classic Yacht Interiors and The World's Most Extraordinary Yachts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition (November 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780393045567
• ISBN-13: 978-0393045567
• ASIN: 0393045560
• Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 14.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #467,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Classic on Classics, January 6, 2000

By 

Dr John Gluer (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Spirit of Tradition: Old and New Classic Yachts (Hardcover)

This volume has been well researched by people familiar with yachting and the traditions of wooden yacht construction. The photography is simply outstanding and reflects the authors experience in presenting yacht interiors and nautical themes generally. There are a number of action shots as well as "stills". The photographs of Ticonderoga in particular, are simply stunning.

The presentation in order of yacht name, rather than designer, is interesting and does not detract. The addition of line drawings and more technical specifications would have rounded out the presentation.

The inclusion of new "classics" is welcome and demonstrates that traditional skills are alive and well in many parts of the world. In this vain, I would have appreciated a wider representation. Some magnificant wooden vessels are being constructed ( either entirely of wood or with wooden decks and interiors) in parts of the world other than the USA, the Med and the UK,upon which the book concentrates. Notable in this regard are New Zealand and Tasmania (a State of Australia). Some of the worlds finest boat building timbers are found in Tasmania and this is reflected in yachts constructed there; particularly the carvel planked yacht.

The cover price represnts good value. Even my children, aged eight and six years found the photographs stunning and sat quietly for a considerable time, slowly flipping the pages.

Anyone who is interested in Art, Yachting, or Photography will find great enjoyment in a quiet read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, if not quite the business, January 24, 2000

By 

Frederico Pinheiro de Melo - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Spirit of Tradition: Old and New Classic Yachts (Hardcover)

The pictures are excellent, while the text is good in parts. The drawings, where they exist, are pretty poor. Also, the selection of the boats seems random, at best, leaving you with the feeling that the authors chose what they had access to, rather than based on more specific criteria. I have nothing against subjective, even quirky choices, but I have a very hard time calling some of these boats classics, whatever your definition for it.

Anyway, it's a nice book, if not terribly informative. So, buy it if you really like older boats, or if, like me, you're a fan of designer Bruce King. Or for some subjective, quirky reason of your own.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeping on track, September 27, 2000

By 

Graham Hills (BRISBANE, QLD Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Spirit of Tradition: Old and New Classic Yachts (Hardcover)

The book is full of excellent photos, of exteriors and interiors and action shots. Not only does it cover wooden boats, but a signifcant number of classic steel and modern alloy yachts are also shown. The interesting boats include a new "hardware store timber" boat which looks somewhat affordable.

My purpose for buying the book was to get ideas while restoring my own classic yacht. For this purpose the book is inspiring and full of ideas to copy. Although, the excellent wood work inside these boats will humble anyone with a saw. For my purpose, I still prefer the author's first book, Classic Yacht Interiors. The previous book contains a wider range of vessels and much easier to implement ideas on more affordable boats.