This is the complete reference to the classic yachts and dinghies still sailing today. Focusing on the most well-known, popular and enduring designs - from the 7ft Optimist to the 125ft J class - this beautifully illustrated book showcases 144 boats from across the world, with a wealth of detail on each class, including: the origins and history of the class; what it's like to sail one; fascinating stories about the boat, who sailed her, and her development; stunning photography, sailplans and sail symbol; full detail on her length, layout and designer.
Featuring designers from an internationally recognised hall of fame (including William Fife, Olin Stevens, Maurice Griffiths and Uffa Fox), Classic Classes is the perfect resource for classic boat owners and enthusiasts worldwide, whether their interest lies in high-performance thoroughbred racers, well-loved creek crawling cruisers or popular home-built classic dinghies. Published in advance of the 2012 Olympics, there is also a section devoted to the 46 Olympic classes.

Vanessa Bird learned to sail at the age of 10, sailing dinghies in the Lake District and at Lancaster University, before joining Classic Boat magazine as staff. She has since worked for Yachting Monthly and the Discovery Channel, and as a freelance writer, editor and indexer. She is also an author of four books. Now based on the South Coast, she sails Ocean Pearl, a 1933 Scottish lugger, which was restored by her boatbuilder partner, Nick Gates, out of Chichester Harbour. Vanessa is also a keen kayaker and cyclist