need something to read while sailing on your yacht? Decorate your home or superyacht with our selection of the best coffee table books and glossy picture books. If you’re looking for a gift for superyacht owners or yachting enthusiasts, then these best decorative books, from vintage nautical map collections to superyacht interior design guides, will be perfect.
riva in the film of riva
You are reading: Sailing coffee table books
From on-screen Agatha Christie thrillers to James Bond blockbusters, Riva ships have starred in movies for over 60 years. Riva on Film offers a behind-the-scenes look at Riva’s stunning models and the roles they’ve played on set, combining stunning photos with contemporary reviews and original posters to tell the unique stories of the yachts that have housed the likes of Sophia. loren and george clooney on board.
Stories from the Captain’s Log by the National Archives
The history of life in the sea is full of legendary names: cook, darwin, blackbeard, nelson et al. Tales from the Captain’s Journal, a new hardcover book from the National Archives, condenses centuries of naval history into one easy-to-read volume in the voices of those who were there. A wide variety of topics, from naval battles to scientific discoveries, are illustrated through original maps, documents, and drawings, creating a fascinating portrait of how the maritime experience has evolved over the years.
the superyachts of boat international
When it comes to documenting the best yachts, superyachts are second to none. now in its 33rd edition, it has documented more than 700 superyachts launched in the modern era. Highlighting award-winning ships, as well as those that make the list of the world’s largest yachts, this is a book no self-respecting superyacht owner should miss.
the cape horner club by adrian flanagan
Sailing to Cape Horn in southern Chile is considered the ultimate test of a sailor’s skills. Adrian Flanagan’s extensively researched book tells the stories of the brave souls who have successfully taken on the fearsome challenge since 1934.
interiors of superyachts by boat international
Showcasing the best of the latest trends in superyacht interiors,
this collection features interviews with 10 designers and 36 leading design brands today. The latest edition features yachts such as Elandess and Solo and is the perfect read for superyacht owners looking for inspiration.
dior joaillerie: the a to z of victoire de castellane byolivier gabet
Dior addicts should keep a copy of this tome that celebrates the French fashion house’s iconic jewelry collections. The visually stunning images are accompanied by a dictionary of words inspired by the work of Dior Joaillerie Creative Director Victoire de Castellane and deciphered by Olivier Gabet, Director of the Museum of Decorative Arts.
jon bannenberg: a life of design by dickie bannenberg
This biographical treasure documents the story of the superyacht designer’s pioneering career, as told by his son and protégé Dickie Bannenberg. The pages are filled with photos of Bannenberg on shipyard scaffolding or during fashion shoots, and there are plenty of beautiful yacht sketches, too.
gumball 3000: 20 years on the road for dim
Superyacht owners who also have sports cars in their fleet will love this coffee table book. With alumni like David Hasselhoff, Snoop Dogg, and Adrien Brody, Gumball 3000 has become one of the most famous rally races in history. this book marked its 20th anniversary with more than 200 photographs capturing events and anecdotes.
futureyachts of international ship
With new technologies and cutting-edge materials, the yachting industry is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of modern yacht owners, but what does the future hold for superyacht design? discover the latest trends and read in-depth interviews with key shipping influencers and disruptors.
theodore de bry: america by michiel van groesen and larry tise
theodore de bry’s new world artworks once captivated the european imagination with visions of newly discovered landscapes, customs, and peoples. This book brings together his best engravings of the travelogues of adventurers such as Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh as they sailed into the unknown.
exclusive spaces by paolo moschino & philip vergeylen
For years, Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen traveled the world creating stunning interiors for discerning clients and collecting curiosities to inform their own designs. this book allows you to enter the rarefied world of the couple. With hundreds of stunning images and sketches taken from favorite moschino and vergeylen projects, it’s the perfect fodder for your next interior overhaul.
yves saint laurent: the impossible collection by assouline
journey through the career of one of France’s most esteemed fashion powerhouses, exploring iconic and signature looks and moments from design to catwalk.
chris-craft, an american classic by nick voulgaris iii
Writer, sailor, and entrepreneur Nick Voulgaris III has owned and restored ships, including a couple of vintage Chris-Crafts. His interest in the 144-year-old company and his ships has inspired a book. With a foreword by designer Ralph Lauren, this book features never-before-seen archival photos and plans, as well as modern imagery, tracing the history of this celebrated American shipbuilder from its founding by Christopher Columbus Smith to the present day.
nostalgic trips of tenues
From traveling on the Orient Express to sailing across the Atlantic on a giant steamship, this love letter to the early days of tourism is packed with glamor and romance.
rolex: the impossible collection by assouline
a new release from assouline, this book was created for watchmakers and rolex super fans. Take a journey through Rolex history and the success of its most valuable, innovative and popular models, including the Daytona made legendary by Paul Newman.
genesis of sebastião saledo
Sebastião Salgado turns his lens back through time to a pristine land genesis of his art book, compiled from images collected during an epic eight-year expedition. The Brazilian photographer explores the corners of our planet that have escaped the imprint of modern society and shows an expansive and textured portrait of a virgin planet.
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map: exploring the world by phaidon
A good map feels like an invitation to adventure. The Hidden Treasure in the Map: World Exploration ranges from an ornate 1594 chart of the Moluccas in Indonesia, to a stick map of the Marshall Islands, and a tribal map of Ghana to Johannesburg. handpicked by scholars and cartographers, all are explained in fascinating detail.
sailing: a visual celebration of sailing past and present by olivier le carrer
nautical journalist olivier le carrer explores the most iconic nautical centers in the world and the characters that populate them. This brilliant art book looks at what drives sailors in the sport, the rise of fashion in yacht clothing and accessories, and even the sport’s portrayal in art and film. The regattas also play an important role and the amazing photographs follow the history of the America’s Cup and other great regatta races. A must have for any yacht owner’s library.
beyond the luxury of international ship
Superyacht owners, sure to have a taste for the finer things in life, should enjoy this light read on luxury and how it inspires emotions in both builder and consumer. this book appreciates luxury items and concepts, with each idea presented by an essay by a passionate connoisseur.
ciao! by mario testino
if you spend a lot of time cruising the mediterranean then this ode to italy by renowned fashion photographer mario testino is the perfect coffee table book for your superyacht lounge. The collection takes readers through the cities of Venice, Rome, Naples, and Florence through the lens of Testino’s camera as he documents the Italian way of life.
cruise routes of the world by jimmy cornell
This book is the indispensable planning guide for nearly 1,000 shipping routes across the world’s oceans, from the tropical seas of the South to the icy waters of Antarctica. Compiled with the needs of boaters in mind, it contains information on winds, currents, and seasonal weather, as well as suggestions on optimal times for specific individual routes.
cognac louis xiii: the art book of the thesaurus by farid chenoune & karen howes
This newly published tome of louis xiii is the perfect gift for the cognac connoisseur who always keeps his superyacht’s bar stocked. With an introduction by actor John Malkovich, the book cleverly documents the history of the French brand and its signature drink through the use of archival footage and creative storytelling.
sailing: majesty at sea by drew doggett
America’s Cup veterans and icons of the yachting community, J-Class and 12m yachts are much-photographed subjects. Photographer Drew Doggett approaches subjects from an artistic perspective, and his black-and-white images are notable for their evocation of the scale of ships and the otherworldly beauty of pristine seascapes.
nautical works by jacques devaulx
This xxl edition reproduces the 1583 manuscript by French sailor Jacques Devaulx, an encyclopedic reference for sailors of the time and a beauty for modern readers. Combining color illustrations, maps, and astrological charts, the nautical works are interspersed with expert essays that contextualize devaulx’s work and shed light on a time when sailors pushed the boundaries of marine exploration.
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