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This is a historical account of how Espa¤ola, an Edwardian gaff cutter and the subject of this book, has evolved since her launch in 1902 to her continued state of elegance today. Yacht reconstructions, though hardly commonplace, are becoming increasingly popular. Many such reconstructions involve replacement of virtually the entire structure of the vessel; where reconstruction ends and recreation begins is open to debate. Although Espa¤ola has certainly received much care and attention over the years, the first extensive restoration was carried out in 2003. Nevertheless, this cannot be said to constitute a total rebuild and, consequently, much of Espa¤ola´s hull structure remains 1902 vintage.

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Martin has been a keen sailor since childhood and served professionally as a navigating officer with Blue Star Ship Management during the 1970s. He has been the owner/skipper of the Edwardian cutter Espa¤ola since 1989 and has sailed her extensively in the celtic waters of Britain, France and Ireland, voyaging as far as St.Kilda and Brest.

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