A lavish survey of the world's most prestigious yacht clubs. The world of the yacht club is steeped in tradition and the aura of social exclusivity.

When Christopher Madsen made the snap decision--perhaps a rash decision--to buy and renovate the 1916 yacht for which this story is named, he could scarcely have imagined the consequences that were to follow. Unexpectedly, during the course of the renovation, a window into Rowdy's past was opened, metaphorically whisking Christopher back in time. Seduced by tantalizing clues and glimpses into the personal life of the original owner, he was steadily drawn deeper into the investigation. In 2002, ninety-three-year-old Hanny, Holland Duell's only surviving child, came aboard her father's boat for the first time in 83 years, and from that moment forward, the fading memories of a most amazing cast of characters were slowly and magically brought back to life. The emerging story, bringing to life the era of Hemingway and Gatsby, progressively grew, becoming more and more complex and sensational--at times to the point of disbelief. The incredible life journey of Holland Duell, decorated World War I major, celebrated New York state senator, powerful patent attorney, and highly accomplished sailor, is told here from an intimately personal perspective as he is immersed in the Great War, politics at the highest level, the birth of Hollywood, fortunes and mansions, love and romance, and scandalous affairs. The epic tale, far from being a story exclusively for sailors, is a gripping, fast-paced adventure and love story, made all the more amazing by the fact that it is completely true, historically significant, and meticulously documented. A newly unearthed gem in American history, Rowdy will enjoyably transport the reader back in time to the Golden Age of Yachting--AND EVER SO MUCH MORE!

In this lavish, heavily illustrated book, yachting historian (and Bermuda Racer) John Rousmaniere tells the story of the remarkable sailors, the great boats, the tactics, the Gulf Stream ordeal, and the lure of Bermuda that make this the world's classic ocean race.