Martin Black, author of G.L. Watson – The Art and Science of Yacht Design, was tonight presented with the John Leather Award for Special Achievement at the 2014 Classic Boat Magazine Awards event in Mayfair, London.
It’s the first time this prestigious award has been presented for something not directly related to hands-on traditional boat work – a fitting tribute to Martin for a very special publication: meticulously researched over many years and written with care; brought to fruition by a team gathered by Peggy Bawn Press owner Hal Sisk, and given its great presence via the high typographical and production values of Gary Mac Mahon’s Limerick, Ireland based Copper Reed Studio.
The presentation of the award to an author is also a fitting tribute to John Leather: naval architect, author and prolific contributor to Classic Boat from its inception until his death in 2006. As John’s widow, Doris, said in a moving tribute by Classic Boat editor Dan Houston:
“Books were John’s passion… I think every time I went out another boxload would arrive! But he’d say: ‘I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, books are my vice!'”
Well done Martin!
[Update 12 March, 2014: Courtesy of Classic Boat magazine, here is the official award ceremony photo of Professor Mark Horton of Bristol University – but better known as one of the presenters of BBC2′s Coast programme – presenting Martin Black with the John Leather Award for Special Achievement at the 2014 Classic Boat Magazine Awards event in Mayfair, London.
Martin Black (left) receiving the John Leather Award for Special Achievement from Mark Horton.
(Frank Noon, c/o Classic Boat)
Iain McAllister
www.peggybawnpress.com 
A very well deserved award for a huge effort of scholarship.
Thanks Ewan, especially on behalf of Martin.
Congratulations Martin. Well deserved.
Donal Lynch
Thanks Donal, have passed on to Martin.