Title: From Beaton’s To Beach Haven: A Cat Ghost, BH G
Author: William W. Fortenbaugh
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1543428025
Pages: 196
Genre: Boating/Photography & Video
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina

Read Book Review

One of the most important things in this world has to be a person finding their passion in life. Whether it is a hobby such as collecting items or a dream profession like becoming a writer, there are so many endless possibilities for people to find what they are passionate about. One thing people tend to love is the ocean, and in particular there are people with a love and passion for boats and boating. As James Taylor once said, “Being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.” In author William W. Fortenbaugh’s book From Beaton’s To Beach Haven: A Cat Ghost, BH G, one such boating passion comesto life as the history of the A Cat class boat and the reemergence of the particular boat in the 80’s and up is explored in detail.

In this book, the author explores perfectly the history of the A Cat, from the man who built it and for whom, the seriousness of the racing aspect of the boat, the decline of the boat during the Great Depression, and the sudden resurgence of the boat during the 80’s, complete with photographic and documented evidence to showcase this history. This was a well-researched, well written and fairly quick read that did an excellent job of showcasing the passion and efforts that went into the A Cat, namely the A Cat dubbed “Ghost”. The story of Ghost made by David Beaton and Sons is one boating experts and fans will be inspired and intrigued by all at once. This book includes photographs from the construction and days spent on Ghost, as well as detailed diagrams and original documents from historical records about the A Cat in particular.

The book is perfect for anyone who enjoys boats, boating, or the history of the boating world in general. Often history based books can approach a broad topic, but diving deep into the history of a particular item or study can be fascinating to see unfold, as it not only tells the reader where something like the A Cat came from, but how it has inspired modern boating and the industry as a whole; which for people who are incredibly passionate about boats is something that is significant.

Although a quick read, this book is packed in with details and specific building specs for the boats that fans and enthusiasts will thoroughly devour on every page. Whether readers enjoy history and history based on a particular field, or readers are passionate about the construction and marvelous story behind a classic like the A Cat, this is the book for you. If you’d like to learn more about the story of David Beaton and the work that went into bringing Ghost to life (as well as the growing interest in the class A Cat boats), then grab your copy of From Beaton’s To Beach Haven: A Cat Ghost, BH G by William W. Fortenbaugh today!