Set Sail on a Literary Journey with these Superyacht-Themed Books.

While there are still opportunities for chartering yachts, and indeed many people are choosing to sit out self-isolation and social distancing on a superyacht, the coronavirus pandemic has seen many of us stuck at home for extended periods of time. So while most of the world sits in lockdown, dreaming of the days when this is all behind us and we can set sail once more, we thought it was important to bring some relief to the wanderlust we’re all feeling right now.

Books can transport us, taking us into the world of the characters, whether fictional or real. It is an insight into a different perspective, a journey to adventure or emotion, or a moment of delightful escapism. We have put together a tantalizing list of books which speaks to anyone who loves superyachts and dreams about the day they can be sailing the seas again.

1. All the Oceans – Designing by the Seat of My Pants by Ron Holland

Ron Holland is a stalwart in the world of superyacht design, and has been behind many of the world’s most iconic yachts. For 40 years Holland has designed yachts such as M5, the most technical sloop ever built, and the largest at 75-metres in length. His resume is undoubtedly impressive, and he has been at the forefront of new development, with yachts such as Ethereal, the 58-metre Royal Huisman battery-powered hybrid propulsion superyacht (the first to ever be built) testament to his incredible skill and innovation. This book is his honest and hilarious take on the world of superyachts – and the larger-than-life personalities he has encountered – through the eyes of a man who knows it better than most.

2. The Superyachts 33 by Boat International

Boat International has produced 33 editions of its highly respected guide to the world’s finest superyachts, and the latest, published in 2020, is as riveting as always. Get your hands on one these beautiful, coffee table books and you’ll enjoy hours of entertainment as you get exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of 22 of the finest yachts launched last year. Get the inside story on award-winning boats, the largest superyachts ever built, and those which are forging the way head in innovation. Also worthy of your coffee table is Boat International’s FutureYachts, which reveals the latest trends through in-depth interviews with yachting’s key influencers and disruptors.

3. Jon Bannenberg: A life of Design by Dickie Bannenberg

Dickie Bannenberg pays homage to the incredible life and works of his late father Jon Bannenberg, one of the greatest ever superyacht designers. In this huge 5kg hardback book, he sheds light on the amazing rise of a skilled and passionate designer who created masterpieces such as Carinthia VI, Nabila, The Highlander, Limitless, Siran, Thunder and Rising Sun. The photography is outstanding, revealing Jon’s life through images of him as well as his yacht sketches. Follow Jon’s life from playing in piano bars in London, to being appointed designer on the QE2 to being one of the most acclaimed designers of all time.

4. World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell

Everyone from solo sailors to superyacht owners have used this invaluable book to plan their cruises around the world. Filled with as much inspiration as factual information it includes over 1,000 sailing routes spanning every one of the world’s oceans. Now in its 8th edition it includes detailed analysis on what is possible at different times of the year through meticulous scientific and meteorological studies. This is the perfect book to give you practical, real-world ideas to start planning your next superyacht charter adventures.

5. Idea Man by Paul Allen

This book is a fascinating insight into the man behind one of the most astounding superyachts ever built. When the late co-owner of Microsoft built Octopus in 2003 she was extraordinary, and remains so to this day. Allen built the 414 foot yacht to include eight decks, a glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge, and an entertainment deck complete with cinema, gym and spa. Octopus was used for everything from A-list parties to marine research expeditions, and she was equipped with a dive center, two helipads and a two submarines. “It turns out if you go 1,000 feet down in the ocean, it’s really dark, and the animals are really strange,” Allen said in 2011. “But if you put on some Pink Floyd, it’s fantastic.”

6. Yachting: A Visual Celebration of Sailing Past and Present by Olivier Le Carrer

Set sail on a journey into the world of sailing yachts with acclaimed sailing journalist Olivier Le Carrer as he brings the world’s most iconic sailing destinations – from Cowes to Antigua – to life through exceptional photography. He highlights the important role that sailing plays in the life of so many, introducing us to the people who sail them, race them and love them. From yachting’s influence on fashion and design, to the greatest regattas in the world, this book is the perfect lockdown read for any boat lover.

When the wanderlust gets too much, please get in touch with our team and let’s start planning your next superyacht adventure. While coronavirus has slowed us all down for a time, there are still many opportunities close to home to charter a yacht now or in the near future.