Folklore tells us that the 18-footers evolved out of working boats, but no-one had ever worked out exactly how that happened.

Now Britannia skipper and boatbuilder, Ian Smith, has followed the trail and written it all down in The Open Boat. The 200-page book also contains details of how the boats were built. It is based on interviews ten years ago with seven boatbuilders who did it in the day, and his own record of building the Britannia replica.

It is a limited print run and a “must have” book  if you are interested in 18-footers.

More information on the 18-footers and other classes on www.openboat.com.au