Anyone who has read "The Riddle of the Sands" by Erskine Childers, described as "one of the greatest spy stories ever written", will have read, in detail, about the sailing of such a yacht.
The "Dulcibella" in the story was a rebuilt lifeboat which has been brought back to life beautifully in the movie of the same name.
Watch the movie (in German, OF COURSE!) or read the book.
P.S. For more on-line books, browse here.