Beken of Cowes: the Art of Sailing (2nd Edition)

In 1888, the Beken family moved to the Isle of Wight, in the small port of Cowes, famous for its international sailing regatta, one of the oldest and most respected in the world. Young Frank Beken glanced out his bedroom window and had an epiphany that would transform the history of yachting. He watched the schooner Amphitrite glide past his house on the harbor, to compete against the world’s largest, most magnificent yachts racing at Cowes Week. Amphitrite was alive with abrupt movement and dramatic sounds, massive sails flapping in the wind. Frank thought: “Why not photograph each yacht in action, and record them forever?”

A visual testament to the magnificence of the sport of sailing, Beken of Cowes prints are avidly sought after by relatives of the boats’ owners and crew, art historians and academics, naval architects and maritime aficionados, and exclusive yacht clubs the world over. After more than 130 years of documenting the annual race week, Beken of Cowes still serves as its institutional memory, preserving the yachts in all their majesty and power, a tradition that promises to carry on for years. As Keith Beken was fond of saying, the most satisfying photograph is the one “we shall take tomorrow.”

Celebrating the very best in yachting, as photographed by the legendary Beken family for more than a century, Beken of Cowes: The Art of Sailing, 2nd edition features an expanded selection of the world’s most magnificent sailboats from the golden age of yachting. This exceptional Ultimate Collection volume is presented in a luxury clamshell case with an image printed on a metal plaque.

Book Care Guidelines

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your book, we recommend the following:

* Handle with Care: Always use clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the pages and cover.
* Protect from Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight, which may cause fading or discoloration over time.
* Store Properly: Keep books in a cool, dry place, upright on a flat surface, and away from heat or moisture.
* Dust Gently: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to clean the cover and page edges.
* Open with Caution: Do not force the spine flat, especially on new books, to prevent damage to the binding.
* Avoid Food and Drinks: Keep books away from liquids and food to prevent accidental spills and stains.
* ⁠Less Spine Stress: Bookstands support the spine without forcing it flat, which helps prevent cracking or warping.

At Assouline Turkey, we’re committed to offering not just exceptional books, but exceptional service. Every order is packed with care, and we do our best to ensure a smooth, fast, and satisfying delivery experience.

Local Shipping (Turkey)

We proudly offer free shipping across Turkey.

Before 15:00 (Istanbul time) are shipped the same day

Orders placed after 15:00 ship the next business day

Delivery typically takes 1–2 business days

Tracking information is provided once your order ships

We partner with trusted couriers to ensure safe, timely delivery of every item — whether for yourself or as a gift.

International Shipping

We’re pleased to serve our international customers with a simple, flat-rate option:

2–5 business days, depending on destination

Our Promise

From packaging to delivery, we handle each order with care & love. If you need assistance at any stage, our customer support team is here to help — with warmth, speed, and attention to detail. Feel free to contact us at:

istanbul@assouline.com.tr or

+90 (530) 691 20 35

Thank you for choosing Assouline Turkey. We’re honored to be part of your library and your life.