Walter Reeks: Naval Architect, Yachtsman and Entrepreneur

Language: English

Published by Nicole Mays, 2023

0645708623 / 9780645708622

  • Hardcover
  • Used
See all details
Item image 1 of 7.

Seller: Lacey Books Ltd, Cirencester, United KingdomLacey Books Ltd

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 3, 2008

Hardcover

Condition: Used - Very good

£ 70.00

£ 25.00 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

2023 Self published large format hardcover edition. Light reading wear else very good condition. From the cover: This is the biography of Australia's first naval architect, Walter Reeks (1861 - 1925). A man who produced innovative, sometimes unorthodox designs across a broad range of vessels, from commercial craft to recreational yachts. Best known as the pioneer of the Sydney fleet of ferries, Reeks rose to prominence immediately after his arrival in Sydney from Liverpool in 1885. He went on to design more than 300 vessels up until his death in 1925 at the age of 64. Clients included the well-heeled to those with less resources. Craft were built throughout Australia and New Zealand, many becoming stalwarts of local, regional, state and national trading routes and industries. Others went on to win coveted yachting titles, some with Reeks at the helm. Despite these professional successes and his wide-reaching acclaim, this is also the story of sorrow and tragedy, the death at a young age of his first wife Mary in 1895, and the murder of his son Kent in 1914 casting large, grieving shadows on Reeks' family life. Yet, this is the story of a man who not only achieved so much professionally but was a dedicated supporter and protagonist of maritime pursuits throughout Australia, as well as to engineering, education and volunteering more generally. Reeks was a member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron for over 40 years, being made a life member in 1900, serving as vice-commodore between 1906 and 1910, and notably being its official measurer for an unsurpassed stint of 39 years. During this period, Reeks also designed many of Sydney's leading yachts and investigated the potential for an Australian challenge to the America's Cup, a dream he was still chasing some four decades later. A life of serving, adventure, cutting-edge innovation, risk-taking and saying 'Yes!' are highlights of Reeks' journey. While his achievements, as we reflect back on his career, are immense, their collective weight and worthiness would likely not have been realised by Reeks himself. They were just the next project, the next step forward, the next outcome, the next compromise between the practical and the ideal, between his design parameters and his client's needs. It was definitely a life well lived and one worth telling.…

Seller Inventory # BR-KIF9-VDB4

Title
Walter Reeks: Naval Architect, Yachtsman and Entrepreneur
Author
Mays, Nicole L; Payne, David
Publisher
Nicole Mays
Publication year
2023
Condition
Very good
Binding
Hardcover
Language
English
ISBN 10
0645708623
ISBN 13
9780645708622
Item weight
1,501 grams
Dimensions
21.59 centimeters width by 27.94 centimeters height by 3.02 centimeters depth
Seller catalogs
Maritime

Lacey Books Ltd

Cirencester, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 3, 2008

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item5 to 15 business days5 to 15 business days
First item£ 25.00£ 30.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Seller's business information

Lacey Books Ltd

75 Chesterton Park
Cirecester, United Kingdom GL7 1XS