There are more than half a million registered boat owners in Australia, apparently, so there's no doubt that we have embraced the romance, adventure and pure pleasure of boating. In a new book, Boat, photographer Simon Griffiths has documented a beautiful range of vessels, ranging from the rather majestic yacht Nerida (featured here), to fishing dinghies and rowboats.  We hope you're enjoying your own holiday by the water - and if not perhaps this can act as inspiration for a future seagoing journey. We asked Simon about the undeniable attraction of boats, and share an extract from his book... 

What do you think is the allure of boats?
I think we are drawn to water, it is part of the human condition, and boats are part of that. There is a fascination that is quite strong with Australians for the water, we make pilgrimages to the beach, and water is a large part of us as a nation. I don't think I have met anyone on my travels who dislikes the water or boats. Boats seem to be very deeply a part of us — the attraction to water, the fulfilment of wanderlust, the need to travel, man against the elements, and also shelter and the need to create or craft things.

Boats are still handmade, handcrafted and I think that has a lot to do with their appeal. When you go to a boat show and watch how people interact with boats, they stroke and caress the timber and admire the workmanship, completely under a spell. A boat is much more than a collection of bits of wood glued and nailed together, they have a soul, a spirit that speaks to us.

Did you find a favourite boat?
My favourite boat is the Danish Holger Danske. I went sailing on her with the owners in Kettering, Tasmania. It was a perfect evening, the light was golden, it was warm and she was just an absolute joy. She cut through the water like a knife, it felt as though we were flying on water. I sat on the prow, and it was a moment I will always remember. Later we had dinner onboard, a tiny dining table was unfolded on deck, it slotted into some metal fittings and we sat and had the most wonderful meal.



Nerida is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and celebrated yachts on Sydney Harbour. She was built for Tom Hardy, father of her current owner, Sir James Hardy, to a design by Messrs A. Mylne and Co. in Glasgow. She launched in 1933.



Tom Hardy was tragically killed in an air crash in 1938 and Nerida left the family for a period of time. She was refitted into a yawl and her tiller was replaced by a wheel. She won the 1950 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with this configuration.



Thomas Hardy & Sons purchased her in 1971 and Sir James had her restored to her original configuration, with tiller. In 2007, during a severe storm, a yacht moored near Nerida broke loose and hit her, leaving a gaping hole. In a second storm one week later, she slowly sank. Sir James was devastated.



The Nerida was raised and once again restored to her former glory. The only change to her original design was the addition of electric winch-halyards for the main sail, making her easier to operate. Sir James' son David Hardy continues the family tradition by sailing Nerida.



Extract from Boat by Simon Griffiths, published by Lantern (RRP $39.99).