Tuiga. 1909.

(Monaco): Yacht Club de Monaco, (2005). "Tuiga" is a 76 foot loa gaff-rigged cutter. According to classicyaschtinfo.com, "Tuiga was built for the Duke of Medinacelli, who was a friend to the King of Spain, and designed identically to the King’s yacht, ‘Hispania’. This was so that they could then race on equal terms against each other. However, 'Tuiga' collected a long line of second places allowing rumours to spread that indicated the Duke was ‘holding back’ so as not to beat the King and cause an embarrassing situation." In 1990 she was restored at Fairlie Restorations and, since 1995, she has been the flagship of the Monaco Yacht Club. This book goes into great detail about every aspect of her design, construction, career, and restoration. In one of the most interesting chapters from a yacht design (as opposed to a social history) point of view, the man who restored her, William Collier, researches and speculates upon the thought process of William Fife, her designer. The book is lavishly produced - just this side of over-the-top. It gives us a rare view into the world of zillionaires and their toys, as well as providing a thorough history of a graceful and storied yacht. The book was published in a trade edition of 4000 copies, all of which seem to have been destined for the Yacht Club of Monaco, since no copies - used or new - are available anywhere. This is one of 100 presentation copies, numbered I-C, bound in full crimson leather, all edges gilt, with gold cover lettering and design. It is numbered copy XXXIX, and comes with a manuscript presentation note from the publisher who says in part, "We hope that the content will bring you as much pleasure as it did for us in its making." A fine copy, as new, with all edges gilt, folding plans, presentation note, and promotional material. Housed in publisher's box, which duplicates the book's cover design. No copies on Worldcat or any internet sales venue. . Square 4to, 30 cm. (8), 9-164, (3) pp. Color and b/w plates. French and English text in two columns.