This handsome volume tells the story - through words and pictures - of the concepts and creativity that lie behind the birth of the finest sailing yachts. Spotlighted are the events and anecdotes that have marked the history of sailing from casual competitions for royal yachts on London's River Thames in 1600 to the high-tech challenges of the 21st century. Detailed information on yacht designers, techniques for building yachts, and information on crewing and racing these magnificent boats is included.Wonderful sketches of ship building and hundreds of photographs in glorious full colour evoke the slap of waves against the hull, the howl of the wind in the sail, the warmth of the sun beating on the deck as the boat cuts through the water, and the excitement of the world's most celebrated races.The book will feature a full resume in pictures of the latest 2007 America's Cup race event.