The Anatomy of Sail
by Naomi Webb, Bloomsbury Publishing 20 Aug 2014 18:12 BST
20 August 2014
The Anatomy of Sail
The Yacht Dissected and Explained
By Nic Compton
Publishing 11th September 2014
Both a visual feast and a nautical encyclopaedia, The Anatomy of Sail dissects the sailing boat and examines all its parts in lavish detail. Beautifully illustrated with glorious photography and explanatory diagrams, each page is packed with fascinating anecdotes, which will appeal to both the aficionado and the newcomer alike.
Looking first at the history of yachting and boatbuilding techniques, the book describes how sailing boats evolved to their current shape, before focusing in detail on specific areas.
Subsequent chapters cover:
- The hull and deck
- The rig
- Deck structures
- Fittings and equipment
- Below decks
- Mechanics and electronics
All the main features of contemporary vessels – ranging from keels and masts to portholes and binnacles – are explored, with explanations of how they came to be the size, shape and material that they are, what they have in common and why they differ, all spiced with relevant historical stories.
This is a wide-ranging, trailblazing and stunning treasure trove of a book, which will delight and absorb anyone who has ever sailed on or gazed in wonder at a yacht.
Nic Compton was brought up on boats until the age of 15. He worked as a shipwright, before becoming a full-time writer and photographer. He was Editor of Classic Boat magazine until 2000, and has written several books.
Please see www.bloomsbury.com/uk/the-anatomy-of-sail-9781472902757