Book excerpt: The story of R.E. Olds' life, who was an early automotive pioneer and how he developed his passion for yachting. Using family stories, family photographs and excerpts from unpublished biographies, the book covers his early days as an automotive pioneer, his growing interest in yachts, engines and their design. Each of his many yachts are discussed in detail as to their style and function. After Olds sold the yachts, the author traces their ownership often finding that the yachts went on to be owned by famous, and occasionally infamous, people.