The Gift of a Sea: A Short History of Yachting in the Mediterranean

Rod Heikell

Taniwha Press

£32.50

Every few months, it seems, Rod Heikell’s Mediterranean knowledge needs to spill over into some new outlet. Most often it’s a revised edition of one of his pilot books; a cruising guide, handbook or almanac. This time his interest in Mediterranean culture, travellers’ tales, coastal economics and yacht design has produced a history extending from the pharaohs to the oligarchs. Heikell’s stories of the super-rich are entertaining but the most valuable section is his account of the development of flotilla sailing and chartering. He links the post-war renewal of infrastructure in the different countries with the innovatively designed, mass-produced yachts that both created and satisfied new leisure-sailors’ aspirations. Fascinating.