Top Yacht Races of the World takes a selective look at the most celebrated yachting events around the globe. From the most significant inshore regattas to the greatest offshore and ocean classics, the fascinating text moves from the most technically challenging to the most physically demanding and culminates in the awesome round the world races. The sheer thrill of pitting wits and strength against the elements - the Roaring Forties, submerged ice in the Southern and Arctic oceans or simply the hazardous weather conditions in offshore racing - has been recreated through personal stories of high drama, accompanied by superb photographs. Maps of the race routes, profiles of amazing feats achieved by memorable sailors and a compendium of the highlights of specific race years ensure that this book serves both as a factual record and a visual showcase of the glamour and sheer physical challenge associated with this most demanding of sports.