Classic Boat

Admire the world's most beautiful boats, brought to life through breath-taking photography. Classic Boat offers a unique blend of yacht reviews, seamanship and restoration features, history and design columns, practical advice and coverage of the leading international regattas and events. Whether your interest lies in working on restoration projects or sailing in classic regattas; whether you're a wooden boat owner or simply an admirer of traditional marine workmanship, Classic Boat will have something for you.

TIME TO MAKE MY DEPARTURE

Classic Boat

I SAW THREE SHIPS • More than 100 years ago, a fleet of Dublin Bay 21s graced Ireland’s shores. Now, thanks to an unprecedented project, three are back – and the rest will follow

Designer’s Notes

Tell Tales

HOLMAN’S MISSILE • Kim Holman was best known for small, seaworthy sloops like the Stella and Twister, but the design brief for his 1961 all-out racer was simply: “standing room for a bottle of Gordon’s”

Saleroom

Objects of desire

BOSUN’S BAG • PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THE TRADITIONAL BOATER

THE FINNISH LINE • Finland is awash with beautiful boats, but new builder Mats has found a niche in small, traditional open boats built in glued plywood

MONACO CLASSIC WEEK

COWES SPRING CLASSICS

CLASS SUMMER ACTION IN WASHINGTON STATE

HENLEY TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL

MERSEA WEEK

HAMBLE CLASSICS

A CENTURY OF RIVALRY • The British American Cup match races that started off in the 6-M class is still going after 100 years

THE FASTEST LITTLE SHIP? • Built for peace, sent to war, then abandoned in the 21st century… CB Awards winner Makaira is back – with a 30-knot vengeance

SPIRIT OF THE SEA

SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW • The area occupied by the WBTA (Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association) seemed smaller at this year’s Southampton Boat Show – but the enthusiasm of the exhibitors – and this goes for the show in general – was high. Order books are full. Boatyards are all scrabbling for good staff, either skilled or willing to start at the bottom and wait for their career rewards. Here are some of the boats we saw, at the WBTA and on the water.

A BIT OF A TUMBLE • Ten feet high and falling with a flaming torch in your hand is not the best place to be

Getting afloat

Yard News

Boatbuilder’s Notes

Traditional Tool

Letters

Next month

Sacre Bleu! A cure for Mal de Mer • Sailors’ anecdotes can be enough to drive you from drink, thinks Dave Selby