Naval architect, author, and passionate advocate for traditional boats
John Leather was a respected British naval architect, yachting historian, and prolific maritime author whose lifelong passion for traditional sailing vessels helped preserve the heritage of classic yacht design. Born in Colchester in 1928, Leather trained as a naval architect and gained hands-on experience in boatbuilding before working at the Admiralty and later as a consultant.
He wrote extensively for yachting magazines and authored over a dozen influential books on wooden boats, boatbuilding, and sailing history, including Clinker Boatbuilding, Gaff Rig, and The Gaff Rig Handbook, all of which remain reference works today.
Leather had a particular love for gaff-rigged craft and East Coast working boats, and his knowledge was rooted not only in research but in practical experience. He was a champion of traditional boatbuilding skills and a key figure in the classic yacht revival of the 20th century.
Amokura featured in his writing as an example of the finest work of Fred Shepherd and as a classic yacht of significant design pedigree. John Leather’s work helped bring wider recognition to yachts like Amokura, ensuring they were appreciated not only as seaworthy vessels but as important pieces of maritime heritage.
John Leather died in 2006, but his legacy lives on in the many classic yachts still sailing today — and in the enduring influence of his writing.