Elements of Yacht Design: The Original Edition of the Classic Book on Yacht Design

by Norman L. Skene, Maynard Bray cofounder "Offf Center Harbor", maritime historian (Introduction)

Overview

"This book is intended to be a practical and concise presentation of some of the operations involved in designing yachts of all types. Cumbersome and impractical methods which are so often found in more pretentious works on naval architecture have been avoided. Those presented have been in everyday use by the author." Thus wrote Norman L. Skene in the preface to the fifth edition of Elements of Yacht Design.

Skene's is one of the most famous books on yacht design ever written. First published in 1904, Skene did several revisions, the last of which was published in 1938 and is reprinted here in its original form. In 1962, the book was completely revised by Francis S. Kinney and republished as Skene's Elements of Yacht Design. Kinney's last version was published in 1973 and it is long out of print.

While the experts are divided on the relative merits of the different editions, it appears that there is strong demand for Skene's original work. At last the book is again available to the many boatbuilders, aspiring naval architects, and sailors who need it for frequent reference. The index has been completely revised and expanded to make it more useful for today's readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493076017
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/01/2023
Edition description:	2023 Edition
Pages:	266
Sales rank:	556,194
Product dimensions:	6.07(w) x 8.77(h) x 0.57(d)

About the Author

Norman L. Skene was one of America's foremost yacht designers. This book is his legacy.

Maynard Bray is a maritime historian, the author of several books on ships, and a contributing editor for WoodenBoat magazine.

Table of Contents

I	General Discussion	3
II	Methods of Calculation	12
III	Relativity and Similitude	30
IV	Displacement	35
V	Stability	46
VI	Ballast	66
VII	The Lateral Plane of Sailing Yachts	73
VIII	Design	82
IX	The Sail Plan	90
X	The Rudder	100
XI	Spars and Rigging	107
XII	Cruisers	122
XIII	The Racing Yacht	144
XIV	Construction	168
XV	Resistance	181
XVI	The Hydroplane	210
XVII	Screw Propellers	224
XVIII	Yacht Models	241
	Index	251

Editorial Reviews

A little gem, first published in 1904 which, in these days of standard hulls, fills a much felt gap in our knowledge. We know so little about hull lines that it is really valuable to have at hand what is a standard work of reference. There are bits that no longer apply but the principles of hull design and what keeps a yacht going in heavy weather and light are intensely satisfying; the more so as we no longer for the most part commission an architect to design a yacht and watch its construction.
An absorbing and classic work, well worth the effort to assimilate.

Cruising

Skene runs through many of the formulas used in yacht design, and their underlying principles. For the non-mathematician, it makes one realize how far off the mark most of our boats are. Buy this book and put your own boat's measurements into the formula. You will wonder how ever she stayed upright or went to windward.

Whilst being a useful technical reference book on classic yacht design, this book is essential reading for those who want to make a meaningful contribution to the rig debate.

Royal Naval Sailing Association

Skene runs through many of the formulas used in yacht design, and their underlying principles. For the non-mathematician, it makes one realize how far off the mark most of our boats are. Buy this book and put your own boat s measurements into the formula. You will wonder how ever she stayed upright or went to windward.

Whilst being a useful technical reference book on classic yacht design, this book is essential reading for those who want to make a meaningful contribution to the rig debate

Royal Navy Sailing Association