I love strong statements, and Pekka Barck kicks off these 304 pages by declaring:
"The International Rule is the most important development class rule in yachting history. It has been the backbone of yacht racing for 100 years."
...
The Six Metre – 100 Years of Racing is authoritative, satisfying to hold, lush and lovely to see. Some of you will just have to have it (you know who you are).

Read the full review from:

http://sailmagazine.blogspot.com/2007/12/innovators-sailors-and-good-reads.html