One Hundred Years of Sailboat Design
Scandinavian Design Under Sail documents how sailboat design has evolved over the last hundred years, shaped by climate, craftsmanship, technology, and a deeply rooted relationship with the sea.
Through carefully curated photographs and personal accounts, the book tells the story of boats built not only for performance, but for life at sea. It is a tribute to a design tradition defined by simplicity, function, and quiet beauty.
“Among the most beautifully published books in the past 30 years”
“I love the layout, the design of the book itself, the way it’s bound, honestly to me the book ranks with the most beautifully published books in the past 30 years. (I have a library with about 3000 books .. so I can compare!)
Your book is a true tribute to Scandinavian design under sail, it reflects the beauty, style, elegance, and class of the boats I love so much.
My compliments for this book which I will treasure and enjoy, thank you so much.”
/ John Lammerts van Bueren
Dutch yacht historian, expert in classic yachts, and entrepreneur specialized in high-grade specialty timber
Scandinavian Design Under Sail
Scandinavian Design Under Sail explores one hundred years of sailboat design shaped by the unique relationship between Nordic culture, nature, and craftsmanship. Through iconic boats, personal stories, and striking photography, the book traces the evolution from early wooden yachts to modern high-performance cruisers. It is a visual and historical journey into a design tradition defined by simplicity, functionality, and timeless form.
Measurements: 30x28x2,5 cm
What’s Inside
Inside this swiss bound book you will find 224 pages of iconic Scandinavian sailboats from 1920 to today. They are shown by original photography focusing on form, lines, and details. Personal stories from designers, builders, and sailors have been written down together with a historical context on materials, technology, and design philosophy.
Have a look! A few pages for taste …
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Release event video
Location: Mälarvarvsbacken 14, 117 33 Stockholm
Have a look at the release event video of the book launch of Scandinavian Design Under Sail. You will see an afternoon featureing moderated conversations about the book with renowned sailors Roger Nilson and Anna Drougge, and a guest talk by design professor Sara Ihlstedt on Scandinavian Design in sailboat design. An open video from the event for anyone interested in sailing, design, and Nordic design culture.
About the author
Johan Larsvall grew up around docks and boats, building his first sailboat as a child and developing a lifelong passion for sailing and boat design. Trained as both a boat builder and industrial designer, he has worked as a sail designer, run a sail-making business, and later led the bachelor’s program at Umeå Institute of Design.
His professional career spans industrial design for international clients as well as the design of several sailboats, some produced in small series. In 2022, his design won the ORC World Championship double-handed in Class A with his self-designed boat Z30+. This book brings together his two worlds: Scandinavian Design and a lifelong commitment to sailing.