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New book - A Lighter Ton


Richard2249

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Hi all, just a bit of pre-release promotion about my new book which should be out soon.

 

The book tells the story of how New Zealand designers, Bruce Farr, Laurie Davidson and Paul Whiting, changed the face of international racing yachts during the 1970s in the level rating offshore classes - the ‘Ton’ boats. The book traces the origins of the International Offshore Rule, how it worked and its development in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It then examines the emergence of a new and light displacement approach to the Rule, one that allowed for greater speed for less cost, leading to boats that were more exhilarating to sail and would point the way to a more exciting future in yacht design. Reaction to this new breed was not universally positive, however, and this book follows the changes to the Rule that were designed to safeguard a peculiar status quo, boats that were typically wider, heavier and slower for their size. The issues raised by the new boats came to a head for the 1977 One Ton Cup series held in Auckland, and the Australian Southern Cross Cup series of the same year, and lead to rule changes that would affect the face of offshore yacht design for 20 years. This book is a celebration of the yachts that, although practically ruled out of the sport, showed the potential and promise of a lighter Ton…

 

The publicity sheets (front and rear covers) are attached. More details soon.

Front cover.jpg

Back cover.jpg

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Nice work. I'll be able to add it to my library. Put me down for a signed copy. Jenny can give it to me for Fathers Day.....

Where is the book launch? If you want I'll host one for you.

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Hi all,

 

My book on the NZ level rating 'Ton' yachts of the 1970s is now available - 186 pages, 82 photos B&W (excluding any of Squid), 15 drawings including six sets of lines plans - go to http://lightertonyachts.co.nz (you have to post the link into your address bar as Google etc haven't picked up on it yet). Retail/online cost is $35.00.

 

If local (Auckland/NZ) and you would like to buy direct for $30 contact me at lighterton.book@hotmail.com and I can send it with a lower postage cost ($2 P&P).

 

I'll post some sample pages in addition to the front and back covers at the start of this thread once I get the pre-bound version back from the publisher.

 

cheers

Richard

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Hi Richard,

 

Out of interest are there any references to Black Fun in there? I'll buy a copy anyway but just interested to add to the memorabilia collection.

 

Cheers

 

EE

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Hi Richard,

 

Out of interest are there any references to Black Fun in there? I'll buy a copy anyway but just interested to add to the memorabilia collection.

 

Cheers

 

EE

 

Hi EE, yes - there's a section on the 1977 Quarter Ton nationals that Black Fun won, and I've included a sailplan drawing of her based on her original livery (white hull, dark cabin top). I included an end note regarding her results last year in the QTC.

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