Nic Compton
Nic Compton is a writer/photographer specializing in sailing – but with a keen interest in environmental issues. After an idyllic childhood on boats in the Mediterranean, he returned to the UK at age 14 to complete his formal education, including in a degree in English with American & Commonwealth Arts at Exeter University. After a decade or so working as a journeyman shipwright, he studied Journalism at City University, eventually fetching up at the offices of Classic Boat magazine in land-locked Croydon. He was deputy editor and then editor of the magazine from 1996 to 2000. That was when he gave up the security of the monthly pay packet for the vagaries of freelance life. Since then he has traveled the world as a writer/photographer, contributing to a variety of magazines, and has written 14 books, mostly about boats. He recently completed an MA in Global Political Economy at Sussex University, and co-wrote two books about economics. He currently lives in Brighton, UK, from where he sails a 25 ft. Cheverton Caravel.
The Anatomy of Sail: The Yacht Dissected and Explained
An encyclopedic compendium of every element of a yacht, this book contains a wealth of information for the aficionado as well as the newcomer, taking apart the sailboat to explore every part of it in depth. Gloriously illustrated with beautiful photography and explanatory diagrams, each page is packed with fascinating and satisfying detail.
Looking first at the history of yachting and boat-building techniques, the book arms the reader with the knowledge to understand the lineage and characteristics of the sailboat parts that are focused on in the later more detailed chapters. All the main features of contemporary vessels – ranging from keels and masts to portholes and binnacles – are then analysed, with explanations of how they came to be the size, shape and material that they are, what they have in common, why they differ, all spiced with relevant historical anecdotes.
This is a wide-ranging, trailblazing and stunning treasure trove of fascinating information, which will delight and absorb anyone who has ever sailed on or gazed in wonder at a yacht.