Founded in 1978 by the late writer and editor Joe Gribbins, the Nautical Quarterly established in its 50-issue existence standards of writing and design never approached before or since by a nautical magazine. The concept was simple to describe but difficult to execute: Each issue was a 120-page hardcover with 11 or 12 illustrated articles covering just about every maritime topic imaginable, from sailboats to powerboats, and from seals to Hermann Goerring's private yacht. And because Gribbins paid double what any other contemporary publication offered, the best nautical writers, photographers, and illustrators clamoured to be featured in NQ. In addition, deceased literary and art figures such as Jack London, William Faulkner, and Winslow Homer were also featured. As a result, each issue was both a journalistic and a visual triumph. Here, then, is The Best of Nautical Quarterly, Vol. I: Under Sail - twenty of NQ's best sail-related articles spanning all 12 years of publication and preserving NQ's signature design and trim. The articles for inclusion here are yet to be selected, but will be reproduced from original film. Preceding the selection will be a short history of NQ by nautical author Anthony Dalton, as well as a foreword by Jim Gilbert, publisher of Showboat magazine (dedicated to superyachts, not riverboats).