Magnus Smith works for Yachts & Yachting and tries to get as many people as possible afloat in a lugsail dinghy which starred in the 1974 film of "Swallows and Amazons". To see how, go to Sailing Swallow.

Magnus writes:

"I first read at "Swallows and Amazons" at the age of 7 or 8, and have never experienced such a powerful moment again. As I closed the last page, I was locked into the mindset that going sailing was THE most important thing in the world. I raced modern dinghies on a small lake during my teenage years, and tried to get onto a yacht design course at university.

I eventually managed to get a job in the marine industry, and prefer cruising/exploring in boats these days. I collect old childrens books, and indulge my geeky side with computerised analysis of Ransome's texts, but still find time to enjoy the outdoors in a way I think was heightened by Ransome.

Reading those twelve books has influenced my childhood, my career and my life outside work, but thankfully I have a wife and three daughters to keep my mania in check."