Temple to the Wind: Nathanael Herreshoff and the Yacht that Transformed the America’s Cup

I read this book for book club -- we're a club of boaties. I do sail, but still I was really quite surprised I could follow along with what was going on in the races. What is really fascinating is the actual boat building. Herreschoff is an artist, as well as a master craftsman and probably few have been able to build boats as well as he did -- maybe no one. We in Connecticut live not far from the Herreshoff Museum and this added to what I have learned during past visits there.

I learned to sail in the Herreshoff 12' in Marblehead, Massachusetts. On my walk to the club, and on a daily basis, I walked with a wonderful gentleman by the name of Herreshof, I believe his name was also Nathaniel. (This was in the 40s) He lived in what we called "the castle on Crocker Park". We discussed sailing and the merits of a GOOD boat. The Herreshof 12' was indeed that. This book describes the designs of Herreshof, the building and sailing of these boats, and of course the winner of the America's Cup. A very interesting read for sailors, and I mean sailors.

This is a fascinating and well written book if you like history and in particular the early history of what became the America's Cup. Well researched with lots of detail around the men that spent fortunes campaigning the latest designs and materials to not only win the Cup, but advance all kinds of other agenda as rich and powerful men do today. With the races going on in San Fran for this years Cup challenge, it's funny how many things remain the same.

You probably need to have a love of sailing (or think you might if given the opportunity) to make it all the way through this book. I found it interesting from a technical standpoint, and fascinating from the perspective of the characters involved in the sport at a time when money was no object.

great book especially if you like history and sail boats

This book grips you and lets you know the history behind the greatest sports rivalry in history as well as the beginning of one of the great dynastys of yacht building.

Came quickly and exactly as described!!

Great book about a fascinating topic.