THE SUMMER OF THE TWELVES

The story of -- and behind -- the turning back of the Seventeenth Challenge is introduced by the history of The America's Cup, from 1851 on, and emphasizes the development of the sport of participation and the 1955 decisions to change to the twelve-meter class. The ""summer of the twelves"" is then described -- the building, manning of the Columbia, Easterner, Weatherly, and their sailing, with Vim and Nereus, in the series matches for the winner that was to compete with the British Sceptre,- and Columbia's answer to the challenger, which proved men, sail and boat supremacy. There are sections with data on the advances in sails and their usage, of the fine points of match racing and of boom control; there are photographs and other illustrations (90 pages), and an appendix and index. A welcome addition to yacht club and sailing enthusiasts' libraries.