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Rowdy
A newly unearthed gem in American history, Rowdy by Christopher Madsen is, perhaps, one of the most highly awarded books of 2015. Rowdy is a 1920s adventure and love story that follows the colorful history of the famous 1916 racing yacht for which the book is titled. The tale, rediscovered and pieced back together by Madsen during his six year renovation of the yacht, centers on the life of the original owner, New York senator Holland Sackett Duell as he is immersed in The Great War, politics at the highest level, the birth of Hollywood, fortunes and mansions, love affairs as well as scandalous affairs and, of course, the thrill of illustrious New York Yacht Club sailing aboard his yacht Rowdy. Fully bringing to life the era and flair of Gatsby and Hemmingway, Rowdy, by contrast, is completely true, historically significant, and meticulously documented in support of the authenticity
100 years after her launch, Rowdy (the yacht) is still making history. She is berthed in the Mediterranean and, in such playgrounds as Cannes and Monaco, she has won hundreds of races against the finest classic yachts in the world. As Sandman Yacht Company stated “this yacht has indeed dominated her class at the classic regattas making her probably the most successful classic race winner on the Mediterranean Circuit EVER.”
This elegant 8 ½ x 11 hard cover, accented with gold leaf stamping, blind deboss and a rounded spine with spine hubs (ribs), portrays the look and feel of worn, vintage leather; an enjoyable compliment to the old world feel in which the entire story is told. Not only is this a magnificent coffee table book, but the rich and timeless content within also render Rowdy a worthy and rare compliment to the classic section of any fine library.
100 years after her launch, Rowdy (the yacht) is still making history. She is berthed in the Mediterranean and, in such playgrounds as Cannes and Monaco, she has won hundreds of races against the finest classic yachts in the world. As Sandman Yacht Company stated “this yacht has indeed dominated her class at the classic regattas making her probably the most successful classic race winner on the Mediterranean Circuit EVER.”
This elegant 8 ½ x 11 hard cover, accented with gold leaf stamping, blind deboss and a rounded spine with spine hubs (ribs), portrays the look and feel of worn, vintage leather; an enjoyable compliment to the old world feel in which the entire story is told. Not only is this a magnificent coffee table book, but the rich and timeless content within also render Rowdy a worthy and rare compliment to the classic section of any fine library.
AWARDS:
*National Indie Excellence Awards, Historical Biography WINNER
*Indie Reader Discovery Awards, Biography - WINNER
*IBPA Ben Franklin Award, Biography - SILVER MEDAL WINNER
*Publishing Professionals Network - Certificate of Excellence (Cover & Int)
*AIA Clemens Medal, “A Book of Outstanding Literary Quality and Design"
*Non-Fiction Book Awards, Biography - GOLD MEDAL WINNER
*Reader Views Choice Awards, Biography - FIRST PLACE
*Feathered Quill Literary Award, Historical - FIRST PLACE
*Feathered Quill Literary Award, Best Debut Author - THIRD PLACE
*Beverly Hills Book Awards, Cover Design - WINNER
*Beverly Hills Book Awards, Interior Design - WINNER
*Beverly Hills Book Awards, Coffee Table Book - AWARD WINNING FINALIST
*Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, Biography - SILVER MEDAL WINNER
*International Book Awards, Biography - AWARD WINNING FINALIST
*Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Biography - AWARD WINNING FINALIST
*Foreword INDIEFAB Book of the Year, Biography - AWARD WINNING FINALIST
*Eric Hoffer da Vinci EYE (Outstanding Cover Art) - AWARD WINNING FINALIST
*Eric Hoffer Book Award, Reference - AWARD WINNING HONORABLE MENTION
*San Francisco Book Festival, Biography - AWARD WINNING HONORABLE MENTION
*New York Book Festival, Biography - AWARD WINNING HONORABLE MENTION
468 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2015
About the author
Christopher Madsen
7 books17 followersChristopher Madsen grew up in Santa Barbara, California. He bought his first boat at the age of 18 and, over the next 40 years, logged hundreds of trips to the Santa Barbara Channel Islands which lie 20 miles offshore. It was this love of the ocean that put him in the same orbit as Rowdy when she became available for purchase. Six years and 25,000 hours later, with Rowdy’s renovation completed, Madsen entered the former New York Yacht Club champion in her first race in 50 years, winning 1st in class.
Madsen’s twin daughters were born soon afterwards and, in order to spend as much time as possible with them, he sold Rowdy in early 2006.
But during those many years in the boatyard, the story of Rowdy’s past had begun to emerge and, when Madsen sold the yacht and put down his tools, he picked up a pen and embarked on another seven year project in creating this book.
The publication of this book, however, in no way marks the end of the story. The current chapter is now taking place in the Mediterranean where Rowdy was relocated to by her new owner. Monaco and Cannes are her playground where she has won race after race competing against the finest classic yachts in the world. Among many other victories there, Rowdy won the coveted Rolex Trophy in Les Voiles De Saint Tropez in both 2008 and 2009. She tied for first place in 2010 but, after losing a pick from a hat to settle the draw, Rowdy accepted second place!!
As Sandman Yacht Company stated “this yacht has indeed dominated her class at the classic regattas making her probably the most successful classic race winner on the Mediterranean Circuit EVER.”
Madsen’s twin daughters were born soon afterwards and, in order to spend as much time as possible with them, he sold Rowdy in early 2006.
But during those many years in the boatyard, the story of Rowdy’s past had begun to emerge and, when Madsen sold the yacht and put down his tools, he picked up a pen and embarked on another seven year project in creating this book.
The publication of this book, however, in no way marks the end of the story. The current chapter is now taking place in the Mediterranean where Rowdy was relocated to by her new owner. Monaco and Cannes are her playground where she has won race after race competing against the finest classic yachts in the world. Among many other victories there, Rowdy won the coveted Rolex Trophy in Les Voiles De Saint Tropez in both 2008 and 2009. She tied for first place in 2010 but, after losing a pick from a hat to settle the draw, Rowdy accepted second place!!
As Sandman Yacht Company stated “this yacht has indeed dominated her class at the classic regattas making her probably the most successful classic race winner on the Mediterranean Circuit EVER.”
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 24, 2015
When I originally decided to read Rowdy, a non-fictional story about the renovation of a 1916 yacht, I don't think I realized what I was getting myself into. I do love books featuring historical ‘look-backs’ which is why I had readily acquired this book. However, upon its arrival, I was understandably stunned by the book’s massiveness and the words ''it's like a museum in a box'' flitted through my head. (Rowdy was so large that it arrived in a box – hence the reference).
Viewing this book for the first time, I imagine I felt a teeny tiny sense of the same ''what have I gotten myself into" that Christopher Madsen, the book's author and Rowdy's renovator, undoubtedly felt upon realizing he now had ownership of this rather derelict 1916 yacht – a sailing vessel (that unbeknownst to him then) had an amazing story to share.
Rowdy (the book) is divided into several accountings – and each one is engrossingly interesting. To say that I struggled to set this book down is an understatement. So, after Madsen's initial ‘about me’ (and his newest project) introduction, the reader will then be privy to his first phone call with Harriet Anne Duell. Harriet, who prefers to be called Hanny, is the last living child of Holland Duell – Rowdy’s original owner. Almost two years after that initial phone call, Hanny decides to pay a visit to the now renovated yacht that she hasn’t set foot on in 83 years. “Wow” is also an understatement.
After meeting Madsen in person, and after scampering around the yacht as if she were once again 10, Hanny gifts Madsen with the ‘Pandora's Box’ (or the holy grail as the case may be) of previously unknown-to-him information from Rowdy's original owner – Holland’s writings during World War One (which he later published as The History of the 306th Field Artillery). This is where next section of Rowdy begins, and is labeled “The Journal.”
“The Journal” allows the reader to experience a first-hand accounting of the events that transpired from May 11, 1917 through May 10, 1919. Madsen also did a remarkable job of searching out and supplementing additional facts for these two years; making this section read as if it was Holland’s personal diary/journal. It was certainly an eye-opening and riveting look at a small time period within World War One; complete with drawings, diagrams, photographs and other remembrances from these years.
After the reader completes “The Journal” section, he/she will then learn about the Duell’s family history, including career choices (political and/or otherwise). Looking back almost one hundred years through time, I must say that familial ‘drama’ existed even then – it just seems we were a bit more ‘refined’ in how we dealt with it then…
I really don’t want to provide any further information about this book – I don’t want to take anything away from the reader’s journey of discovery. Rowdy is certainly a wonderful read. It’s interesting, well-written and provides a consistent stream of historical facts.
Lastly, if you’re a lover of reading anything nautical and/or historical then Rowdy will simply suck you in – not spitting you back out until you reach its conclusion.
Viewing this book for the first time, I imagine I felt a teeny tiny sense of the same ''what have I gotten myself into" that Christopher Madsen, the book's author and Rowdy's renovator, undoubtedly felt upon realizing he now had ownership of this rather derelict 1916 yacht – a sailing vessel (that unbeknownst to him then) had an amazing story to share.
Rowdy (the book) is divided into several accountings – and each one is engrossingly interesting. To say that I struggled to set this book down is an understatement. So, after Madsen's initial ‘about me’ (and his newest project) introduction, the reader will then be privy to his first phone call with Harriet Anne Duell. Harriet, who prefers to be called Hanny, is the last living child of Holland Duell – Rowdy’s original owner. Almost two years after that initial phone call, Hanny decides to pay a visit to the now renovated yacht that she hasn’t set foot on in 83 years. “Wow” is also an understatement.
After meeting Madsen in person, and after scampering around the yacht as if she were once again 10, Hanny gifts Madsen with the ‘Pandora's Box’ (or the holy grail as the case may be) of previously unknown-to-him information from Rowdy's original owner – Holland’s writings during World War One (which he later published as The History of the 306th Field Artillery). This is where next section of Rowdy begins, and is labeled “The Journal.”
“The Journal” allows the reader to experience a first-hand accounting of the events that transpired from May 11, 1917 through May 10, 1919. Madsen also did a remarkable job of searching out and supplementing additional facts for these two years; making this section read as if it was Holland’s personal diary/journal. It was certainly an eye-opening and riveting look at a small time period within World War One; complete with drawings, diagrams, photographs and other remembrances from these years.
After the reader completes “The Journal” section, he/she will then learn about the Duell’s family history, including career choices (political and/or otherwise). Looking back almost one hundred years through time, I must say that familial ‘drama’ existed even then – it just seems we were a bit more ‘refined’ in how we dealt with it then…
I really don’t want to provide any further information about this book – I don’t want to take anything away from the reader’s journey of discovery. Rowdy is certainly a wonderful read. It’s interesting, well-written and provides a consistent stream of historical facts.
Lastly, if you’re a lover of reading anything nautical and/or historical then Rowdy will simply suck you in – not spitting you back out until you reach its conclusion.
December 12, 2017
The most beautiful book I have ever owned which I won thru a Goodreads giveaway. Loved the tale of Rowdy, born many years ago, neglected, and brought to life by Christopher Madsen. Included are tales from the war and the true story of an original owner. A book to forever cherish.
September 11, 2021
An interesting story of an old yacht purchased by the author and the wonderful story uncovered while restoring and repairing the boat—a wonderful and entertaining piece of history.
August 14, 2015
The title Rowdy perhaps implies a story of mayhem and parties - and in a strange way, you wouldn't be far off identifying this saga as a spirited account, even though 'Rowdy' does not identify a state of mind, but is the name of a sailboat author Christopher Madsen discovered in 1998.
At that point Rowdy was certainly not living up to her name: derelict, leaky, and neglected, the yacht and her former owner were largely a mystery – and, as author Christopher Madsen began rebuilding his new acquisition, so he became intrigued by her past and became determined to not just rebuild her, but also to solve all of her mysteries. The surprising course of this investigation traversed East and West coasts, involved exhaustive research, and ultimately drew the author as much into researching Duell and nautical history as into the physical act of restoring an old, once-grand boat. In fact, over sixteen years went into the making this story; and so Rowdy is not a quick nautical adventure so much as an in-depth and personal investigation, made all the more gripping by the fact that the story is completely true, historically significant and meticulous footnoted throughout.
It should be noted that color and vintage, historical black and white photos and illustrations are liberally peppered throughout: something missing in many a nautical tale, and a feature which lends a visual touch to the story line.
Rowdy offers many unusual facets that set it apart from other nautical titles.
Another facet included in the book, Holland Duell’s war journal, provides vivid, personalized descriptions of his experiences in the Great War, and is represented to be the most detailed accounting ever written on the 306th Field Artillery, 77th Division.
But finally - and perhaps, most importantly - Rowdy is a history journal of a boat, its owner, and the process of tracking down a multifaceted story of her life and times: a process that immersed the author not only in the original owner's remarkable story; but also afforded him the most wonderful and special opportunity to meet and become friends with many of Holland Duell’s descendants.
And so readers anticipating a singular story of a boat's restoration, or a yachting adventure, or even a new owner's discoveries about his impulsive purchase will find so much more here. The historical research and vintage history is simply extraordinary, making Rowdy an exceptional standout presentation that neatly moves far above and beyond the multitudes of books competing for similar shelf space. Five stars!!
At that point Rowdy was certainly not living up to her name: derelict, leaky, and neglected, the yacht and her former owner were largely a mystery – and, as author Christopher Madsen began rebuilding his new acquisition, so he became intrigued by her past and became determined to not just rebuild her, but also to solve all of her mysteries. The surprising course of this investigation traversed East and West coasts, involved exhaustive research, and ultimately drew the author as much into researching Duell and nautical history as into the physical act of restoring an old, once-grand boat. In fact, over sixteen years went into the making this story; and so Rowdy is not a quick nautical adventure so much as an in-depth and personal investigation, made all the more gripping by the fact that the story is completely true, historically significant and meticulous footnoted throughout.
It should be noted that color and vintage, historical black and white photos and illustrations are liberally peppered throughout: something missing in many a nautical tale, and a feature which lends a visual touch to the story line.
Rowdy offers many unusual facets that set it apart from other nautical titles.
Another facet included in the book, Holland Duell’s war journal, provides vivid, personalized descriptions of his experiences in the Great War, and is represented to be the most detailed accounting ever written on the 306th Field Artillery, 77th Division.
But finally - and perhaps, most importantly - Rowdy is a history journal of a boat, its owner, and the process of tracking down a multifaceted story of her life and times: a process that immersed the author not only in the original owner's remarkable story; but also afforded him the most wonderful and special opportunity to meet and become friends with many of Holland Duell’s descendants.
And so readers anticipating a singular story of a boat's restoration, or a yachting adventure, or even a new owner's discoveries about his impulsive purchase will find so much more here. The historical research and vintage history is simply extraordinary, making Rowdy an exceptional standout presentation that neatly moves far above and beyond the multitudes of books competing for similar shelf space. Five stars!!
August 15, 2015
Christopher Madsen’s Rowdy is a beautiful hard-cover book. I can’t imagine its lying on a coffee table without starting a delightful conversation.
Rowdy is also a delight to read. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Madsen buys a vintage sail boat in 1998 and vows to restore it to its original 1916 condition. He spends a great deal of time and money on the project over the next several years but eventually gets the job done. He also becomes deeply interested in the boat's history. A visit from the 93-year-old daughter of the original owner, Holland Duell, leads to startling discoveries. Among other things, Duell is a descendant of the person who fired "the shot heard around the world" at Concord beginning the American Revolution. Duell himself, as the commander of an artillery battalion in the final weeks of the First World War, led the charge that punched a hole in the Germans' formerly impregnable defensive line and brought the war to an end. Many other colorful characters fill this book, from the White House of Theodore Roosevelt to the Hollywood of Lillian Gish.
I'm grateful to Madsen for pulling me into Rowdy's worlds, especially those of sail boating and sail-boat racing, of early-twentieth-century high-society "blue blood" Republican New York, of Yankees in the rain and mud of France finally putting an end to the Great War in Europe, and of the early days of Hollywood and genteel producers lavishing borrowed money on the films of the actresses they fall in love with. I enjoyed it all, even at the very end the tale of the luckless but fun-loving family who sail a battered Rowdy from the east coast to the west through the Panama Canal amid rioting in the 1960s.
The Association of Independent Authors gave me this book, which it received from Madsen, in return for my honest opinion as to whether Rowdy deserved the group’s Clemens Medal. I was pleased to learn that the Association of Independent Authors subsequently awarded its Clemens Medal to Rowdy.
Rowdy is also a delight to read. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Madsen buys a vintage sail boat in 1998 and vows to restore it to its original 1916 condition. He spends a great deal of time and money on the project over the next several years but eventually gets the job done. He also becomes deeply interested in the boat's history. A visit from the 93-year-old daughter of the original owner, Holland Duell, leads to startling discoveries. Among other things, Duell is a descendant of the person who fired "the shot heard around the world" at Concord beginning the American Revolution. Duell himself, as the commander of an artillery battalion in the final weeks of the First World War, led the charge that punched a hole in the Germans' formerly impregnable defensive line and brought the war to an end. Many other colorful characters fill this book, from the White House of Theodore Roosevelt to the Hollywood of Lillian Gish.
I'm grateful to Madsen for pulling me into Rowdy's worlds, especially those of sail boating and sail-boat racing, of early-twentieth-century high-society "blue blood" Republican New York, of Yankees in the rain and mud of France finally putting an end to the Great War in Europe, and of the early days of Hollywood and genteel producers lavishing borrowed money on the films of the actresses they fall in love with. I enjoyed it all, even at the very end the tale of the luckless but fun-loving family who sail a battered Rowdy from the east coast to the west through the Panama Canal amid rioting in the 1960s.
The Association of Independent Authors gave me this book, which it received from Madsen, in return for my honest opinion as to whether Rowdy deserved the group’s Clemens Medal. I was pleased to learn that the Association of Independent Authors subsequently awarded its Clemens Medal to Rowdy.
April 10, 2016
ROWDY
Christopher Madsen
CPM Publishing (2015)
ISBN 9780996026000
Reviewed By Michel Violante for Reader Views (03/16)
My wife received “Rowdy” by Christopher Madsen for review as a fan of memoirs, World War I and WWII, but being an Adriatic Sea creature from the ports of Bari-Italy I snatched it for myself, and I am glad I did. The book begins with Madsen’s own story and the beginning of his relationship with the sea, which was seeded by his own father. After the loss of his wife, it is that relationship and love for sailing that helped him through his grief and to start a new life within the world of sailing. One day he receives a phone call from a boat restorer and seller, and that is when he discovers the 1916 yacht “Rowdy.” It is at this point in the book that the reader will sail through time into history through the life of this exceptional boat’s first owner. Christopher Madsen’s research will not only unravel a personal account of World War I through Holland Duell’s journal, it will also enrich his own life through a priceless sea jewel and its roots as he meets its long lost family.
Madsen’s research is impeccable. I can’t imagine the amount of time invested in restoring the boat and uncovering its story. He was not only successful in both goals he had set for himself, he went even further by creating this beautiful collection of journals, pictures, and his own life accounts. This well-written book will captivate the reader to travel within its pages and pictures into the second decade of the 1900’s, through time, and all the way to the re-birth of “Rowdy.” This book is not just about the boat. These pages are also an homage to Madsen’s love for sailing and his relationship with the sea.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, I truly enjoyed “Rowdy” by Christopher Madsen and recommend it as a five-star read for history and sailing lovers alike. It is a wonderful gift for anyone’s book collection and a wonderful couch traveling adventure to come back to on a relaxing weekend afternoon!
Christopher Madsen
CPM Publishing (2015)
ISBN 9780996026000
Reviewed By Michel Violante for Reader Views (03/16)
My wife received “Rowdy” by Christopher Madsen for review as a fan of memoirs, World War I and WWII, but being an Adriatic Sea creature from the ports of Bari-Italy I snatched it for myself, and I am glad I did. The book begins with Madsen’s own story and the beginning of his relationship with the sea, which was seeded by his own father. After the loss of his wife, it is that relationship and love for sailing that helped him through his grief and to start a new life within the world of sailing. One day he receives a phone call from a boat restorer and seller, and that is when he discovers the 1916 yacht “Rowdy.” It is at this point in the book that the reader will sail through time into history through the life of this exceptional boat’s first owner. Christopher Madsen’s research will not only unravel a personal account of World War I through Holland Duell’s journal, it will also enrich his own life through a priceless sea jewel and its roots as he meets its long lost family.
Madsen’s research is impeccable. I can’t imagine the amount of time invested in restoring the boat and uncovering its story. He was not only successful in both goals he had set for himself, he went even further by creating this beautiful collection of journals, pictures, and his own life accounts. This well-written book will captivate the reader to travel within its pages and pictures into the second decade of the 1900’s, through time, and all the way to the re-birth of “Rowdy.” This book is not just about the boat. These pages are also an homage to Madsen’s love for sailing and his relationship with the sea.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, I truly enjoyed “Rowdy” by Christopher Madsen and recommend it as a five-star read for history and sailing lovers alike. It is a wonderful gift for anyone’s book collection and a wonderful couch traveling adventure to come back to on a relaxing weekend afternoon!
January 17, 2016
An impressive work of art. Beautifully written, researched and comprehensive to the nth degree, Rowdy has everything you could ever want to know about the restoration of this magnificent classic yacht. Throw into the mix a boatload of adventure, romance, a colorful cast of characters, and a boat you can’t help but fall in love with- and you’ve got a delightful book that will sail you back in time. The physicality of this hardback leather-like book is remarkable in itself, making it the perfect coffee table book or home accent. It is THAT handsome. But the magic happens when the book is opened and the story unfolds. The reader is awed. This is a gloriously detailed story that requires ample time for the reader to truly appreciate the extensive work author Chris Madsen poured into it. A great historical account with many stories within a story. You come away from Rowdy educated and enriched by the true tale. Something I didn’t expect was the bond I developed with both the boat and the author; a bond that dropped anchor in my heart. As a pilot I am one with the airplanes I fly, and after reading Rowdy, I feel a similar connection to this vessel, thanks to Madsen’s exceptional writing. And the book is more than a story about the resurrection of Rowdy; it speaks to something deep within us all- as if Rowdy is a metaphor for something forgotten, neglected, discarded and perhaps lost in our souls. Something that begs to be noticed, rediscovered, restored and blessed with a chance to shine again. Rowdy is an exceptional book. No wonder it’s a multi-award winner. Five stars!
August 22, 2015
I received this book through "Goodreads First Reads Giveaway."
Rowdy is actually multiple books in one. It starts out as an enticing travelogue of boating around California. It includes a true story about a sailing boat's enthusiast who becomes obsessed with restoring an historic sailing vessel. There is much documentation and beautiful photos. It is also a history book, including the memoir of the original Rowdy owner's authentic experiences during World War I.
The only problem I encountered was the actual weight of this wonderful book, which could have been two volumes. I found jarring the inclusion of what seems to be a conjectured story between the original boat owner and a single woman, since the author makes a praise worthy effort to present every possible true history surrounding Rowdy.
Overall, it is a great addition to my library even though I don't own a boat!
Rowdy is actually multiple books in one. It starts out as an enticing travelogue of boating around California. It includes a true story about a sailing boat's enthusiast who becomes obsessed with restoring an historic sailing vessel. There is much documentation and beautiful photos. It is also a history book, including the memoir of the original Rowdy owner's authentic experiences during World War I.
The only problem I encountered was the actual weight of this wonderful book, which could have been two volumes. I found jarring the inclusion of what seems to be a conjectured story between the original boat owner and a single woman, since the author makes a praise worthy effort to present every possible true history surrounding Rowdy.
Overall, it is a great addition to my library even though I don't own a boat!
September 22, 2015
Beautiful!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews