Nic Compton was brought up on boats until the age of 15. He worked as a shipwright, before becoming a full-time writer and photographer. He was Editor of Classic Boat magazine until 2000, and has written several books on nautical subjects, including most recently The Sea: A Photographic Celebration and Titanic on Trial, both published by Adlard Coles Nautical.

Former Classic Boat editor Nic Compton has spent over 20 years sailing and photographing classic yachts, and this is the culmination of his decades-long passion - a stunning collection showcasing the 20 most beautiful and fascinating classic boats still sailing today.

They include:

Bona Fide - the original fin-keeler that was 70 years ahead of her time

Inward Bound - a 35ft cutter built in Argentina using salvaged timber from the General Belgrano

Madoc - a 24ft clinker yawl built on a Tasmanian beach by hand

Partridge - an 1885 cutter that took 18 years to restore

Solway Maid - the last surviving William Fife yacht

Timeless and magnificent, these yachts all have a story to tell, and they are captured with glorious full colour photography.

Nic Compton's book will have yacht owners seasick with envy

A masterpiece of photography and words

A healthy mix of old and new boats, many of which you could easily picture beneath your feet, written about and beautifully photographed by the author.