It is a bit like the catalogue of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez, or the Régates Royales de Cannes, that François Chevalier and photographer Gilles Martin-Raget propose us. These two friends who are passionate about boating tell the story of 14 classic sailing boats that honour us with their time in Mediterranean gatherings.
Gilles Martin-Raget, before being a very good photographer, is first and foremost a sailor. A frequent crew member in major races, skipper and yachtsman, he has used some waxed bottoms on major events, including the most magical of all: the America's Cup. This experience is reflected in each of her photos. With his sharp eye, he knows how to position himself in relation to the sailboat, identify the crew member who will be manoeuvring, point his telephoto lens at a detail of a boat.
In this book, soberly entitled "Sailboats of Dreams", he alternates majestic photos where we see the boat in full navigation, with detailed photos that highlight the attention to detail of these exceptional machines.
The texts are entrusted to François Chevalier, naval architect and historian who knows the history of these sailing monuments by heart. In the 20th page dedicated to each of the 14 sailboats, he tells us the story of the class to which he belongs. He describes the life of the boat through the different owners and looks back at the sailboat's latest achievements and weapons in regattas. Each text is very precise, opening up this world of classic yachts to the novice reader.
If we are in the presence of a beautiful book, "Voiliers de rêve" would have deserved a slightly larger print run to make us better enjoy the splendid photos, but also to allow the use of a slightly larger font. This really small one does not make it easy to read. But this little inconvenience does not spoil the pleasure of immersing yourself in the discovery of these works of art that do not remain locked in a living room or museum like a beautiful painting, but which live in the eyes of all for the greatest pleasure of the spectators.
Dream sailboats - François Chevalier and Gilles Martin-Raget
- 19.5 x 26 cm
- 208 pages
- 24.95 euros