British Yachts & Yachtsmen

British Yachts and Yachtsmen was published in 1907. Written by an anonymous author for The Yachtsman magazine, it is sub-titled: ‘A complete history of British yachting from the middle of the sixteenth century to the present day’.

The book asserts that the second half of the 17th century and restoration of Charles II was the start of yachting in Britain, calling it a ‘Dutch import’. It then goes on to chart the development of yachting – both sail and steam yachts – up into the early 20th century and explores the different rules that were introduced to achieve a fair handicapping system.

Given the date of writing, it is hardly surprising that it emphasises the patrician nature of yachting at this time. Sadly, it does not stretch into the end of this period, in the middle years of the 20th century, when yachting began to attract a wider social mix.

We offer versions in both html (use menu) and pdf format (below).

• Preface
• Chapter 1 – Introduction
• Chapter 2 – The Restoration Period
• Chapter 3- Post-Restoration
• Chapter 4 – Organisation 1815 – 1851
• Chapter 5 – Visit of the America 1851
• Chapter 6 – Growth of the Sport 1852 – 1874
• Chapter 7 – Racing under Y.R.A. Rules
• Chapter 8 – The YRA Tonnage Rule
• Chapter 9 – The Sail Area Rule 1887 – 1895
• Chapter 10 – Modern Yachting 1896 – 1900
• Chapter 11 – Modern Yachting 1901 – 1906
• Chapter 12 – Early Yachting in Scotland
• Chapter 13 – Steam Yachting
• Chapter 14 – Colonial Yachting