yacht racing books

Published on March 21st, 2016 | by Editor

Top Picks: The Best Books for Sailboat Racers

Published on March 21st, 2016 by Editor -->

by Deborah Bennett Elfers I can be a little obsessive when it comes to racing sailboats, having read absolutely every sailboat racing book I could find. I’ve read some truly awful books, which did little more than make me even more confused than I was when I started, some rather good books, which made me realize how much I didn’t yet know, and a mere handful of really terrific books which catapulted my understanding of sailboat racing, and helped me to move up the fleet.

Here’s a list of the better books – most basic appearing first – with a brief review of each…

The Complete Sailor, David Seidman I’ve read this book from cover to cover, several times. There are so many little nuggets in here for the new sailor, but it’s also a handy reference guide for the more experienced. I use this book when teaching sailing, as it’s easily readable, and has some of the best basic sailing explanations I’ve seen anywhere.

Getting Started in Sailboat Racing, Adam Cort & Richard Stearns This book was my bible as I was first learning to race. I can’t tell you how many times I read it through, from cover to cover. I had started off with some other, more advanced books, but much of the information in those books was too complicated for a racing novice. This was the perfect introduction to sailboat racing for a newbie, with great graphics, and an easy-to-read format.

yacht racing books

Winning in One-Designs, Dave Perry I think that this is one of the best guides to sailboat racing there is — it’s eminently readable, and organized so well that you can refer back to the appropriate sections when you’re trying to improve a particular weakness. You can use it like a “workbook”, as I did in my second season of racing, and I improved quite a lot by implementing the suggestions and techniques outlined in the book.

Start to Win, Eric Twiname This is a classic book, so well-regarded among sailboat racers that it was re-published 30 years after the author’s death. It is a clear, concise treatise on how to improve your racing. Easy to use, even for the more novice racer.

Sailing Smart: Winning Techniques, Tactics & Strategy, Buddy Melges & Charles Mason This book abounds with lessons on racing tactics and boat handling, sportsmanship, and is sprinkled liberally with the authors’ tales of races won (and lost). The book is clearly organized, and Melges’s personality shines through the pages. I’ve read this one again and again.

Sail, Race & Win: How to Develop a Winning Attitude – Eric Twiname This book is perhaps my favorite of all the books, in that Twiname teaches us how to self-coach, and explores the winning mindset – mirroring closely my own approach to improving my sailing, one learned from and adapted from many years of training as an opera singer.

Note : A few of these books are “old classics” so you will have to be careful to reference the current version of the Racing Rules of Sailing.

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Tags: Books , Deborah Bennett Elfers , education

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yacht racing books

32 Best Sailing Books For Current and Future Yachtsmen

Heading out on a sailing adventure? Need some inspiration away from the YouTube creators we often featured? Then you’re in the right place.

We have rounded up the best books for sailing enthusiasts. You’ll find highly respected books on racing, cruising and sailboat maintenance for your next adventure on the open seas!

1. Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 69th Edition

One of the best sailing books available, the Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 69th Edition is a comprehensive book with descriptions, illustrations, and pictures for every situation.

Whether the need is a guide for it all or looking for some tips, the book has an easy-to-use index that makes it simple to find information. 

2. The Complete Sailing Manual  

The Complete Sailing Manual by Steve Sleight is a detailed book written by sailors for sailors. 

It delves into the latest advancements in sailing, keeping the reader updated and ready to handle any situation.

3. Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die

Searching for a new, exciting place to sail can be exhausting. Chris Santella has an extensive list of options to bring back that exhilaration.

The handy guide gets inspiration by asking well-known sailors and athletes about their favorite places to sail.

4. The Ultimate Book of Everyday Knots  

Every sailor needs to know how to tie a good knot, and Geoffrey Budworth has a fantastic instruction tool to start.

This book has illustrations of common knots used in sailing and other sports, with directions to ensure every tie is a success.

5. Bargain Boats and Budget Cruising  

Sailing can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. Todd Duff has expert advice to keep the cost down.

This guide goes through the process of finding an economical boat and refitting it, so you can enjoy the water without breaking the bank.

6. Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning  

Sometimes a picture can be just what’s needed, and Ivar Dedekam has detailed illustrations for everything relating to sailing.

This handy guide explains the necessities of sailing and the theories to get the most out of any boat.

7. The Alaska Cruise Handbook  

The wild waters of Alaska are a worthy goal for any sailor. With insights from Joe Upton, planning a journey through the Alaskan coast is more than practical.

Plan ports and explore the natural beauties of Alaska from the comfort of a personal sailboat.

8. The Sailing Bible

Jeremy Evans, Pat Manley, and Barrie Smith put together an extensive work covering the basics of sailing to niche activities like racing.

Even the most seasoned sailors can find something in one of the best sailing books around to enrich their knowledge, and beginners will feel ready to hit the water.

9. World Cruising Essentials  

Taking on a long voyage can seem like a daunting task. Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Essentials makes the trip doable. This happens to be my favorite book on this list!

Learn about everything to prepare for the cruise and get crucial tips for spending the days at sea.

10. Landfalls of Paradise  

Exploring the Pacific Islands can be a dreamy escape, and Earl R. Hinz’s writing makes it a carefree journey.

This guide has updated charts and descriptions to help make any sailing through the Pacific Islands easy to plan and execute. 

11. The Voyager’s Handbook  

Extended trips are one of the most fulfilling ways to experience life on the open seas, and Beth Leonard has a handbook to achieve it. Another personal favorite!

It not only covers the essentials needed on the boat but explains practical tips for keeping boat life enjoyable.

12. The World’s Best Sailboats: Boxset Vol.1&2  

Ferenc Máté’s The World’s Best Sailboats has detailed pictures, illustrations, and descriptions of the finest boats in the world. Enjoy appreciating the fine craftsmanship while learning what makes certain boats excel.

This volume isn’t only fun to flick through as its information can be invaluable when selecting a boat.

13. The Big Book of Boat Canvas  

Customizing a boat can be a fun way to make the vessel feel like home. One option is canvas, and Karen Lipe is here to explain multiple sewing projects.

From practical objects like sail covers to interior cushions, the options are endless in this handbook.

14. Sailing: The Basics  

Newcomers will appreciate Dave Franzel’s book as it helps people get on the water and become sailors in no time. It follows his fundamental principle that time in the water is key to learning, so it gets through the essentials fast.

Get from the docks to the water in record time, and feel confident doing it.

15. The Blue Book of Sailing  

Adam Cort hopes to take the reader of any experience level and turn them into true sailing experts. Through simple lessons, it explains everything needed to sail.

Some basic knowledge of sailing can be necessary for reading, but anyone will benefit from the tips.

16. BoatSense: Lessons and Yarns from a Marine Writer’s Life Afloat  

Combining narrative and guidebook, the unique BoatSense: Lessons and Yarns from a Marine Writer’s Life Afloat gives realistic tips based on Doug Logan’s experience.

The true tales from this sailor aren’t just for fun, as they pleasantly explain crucial teachings that are usually exclusive to years of sailing.

17. The International Marine Book of Sailing  

The International Marine Book of Sailing by William Robinson is great for beginners looking to learn everything. 

This book has handy illustrations and other valuable insights neatly organized to get the reader ready to sail as soon as possible.

18. The Ashley Book of Knots  

This comprehensive book covers around 3,900 types of knots with brief descriptions, drawn guides, and other information. 

This manual not only covers basic knots but includes complex versions that can be used on the boat or to impress friends.

19. The Handbook Of Sailing  

For visual learners, Bob Bond has thousands of diagrams and color photos to explore the basic techniques of setting sail. 

The guidebook has helpful descriptions to accompany the pictures and assists the reader through any situation.

20. Sailing America  

See the beauties of the United States from coast to coast in this picture collection from Onne van der Wal. Enjoy the views from the sea without even sailing across thousands of miles.

Whether it’s for inspiration or to admire the expert photography, any sailor can appreciate the beautiful landscapes in this book.

21. The Annapolis Book of Seamanship  

Another comprehensive guide that covers everything from the basics to handling extreme conditions. John Rousmaniere is on hand to get the reader for any sailing situation.

This book progresses from the simplest tasks to the most challenging endeavors, with traditional techniques mixed with newer innovations.

22. Desirable and Undesirable Characteristics of the Offshore Yachts 

Searching for a sea-worthy vessel can be a challenging task, but Steven L. Davis aims to make it much easier.

This guidebook examines trends and other information to prepare the reader for the boat market. That data will be invaluable to understanding what to look for when choosing their own.

23. Sailing Is Fun!: A Beginners Manual For Young Sailors  

Kids looking to sail can learn the basics from Charles D. Dawson. His book uses only simple terms, making it easy for children to follow.

It stresses water safety to keep youngsters safe, and it’s an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to pass on sailing traditions.

24. The Best Used Boat Notebook  

A cost-effective way to get into sailing is through a used boat, and The Best Used Boat Notebook from John Kretschmer gives every tip needed. 

This detailed guide breaks down the specifics any potential boat owner should know.

25. The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands 

Explore the crystal waters of the Virgin Islands with help from Simon Scott’s experience. 

It also includes a handy chart that folds out to aid your plans for the sailing voyage.

26. Marina’s Best  

A significant portion of sailing is in marinas, and anyone hoping to manage their marina can get the knowledge necessary from Dr. Amos Raviv.

This work guides the reader through everything necessary to run a marina and ensures sailors understand the rules and regulations of marina use.

27. Crewing to Win

Racing sailboats is an intense sport, and it relies on crew teamwork. To build the best team, try reading Crewing to Win by Saskia Clark.

This handbook explains how to form a team, set goals, and keep things running smoothly out on the water.

28. Building Outrigger Sailing Canoes

Outrigger canoes are a unique and traditional form of sailing, often handmade by indigenous Hawaiians .

Building Outrigger Sailing Canoes by Gary Dierking helps explain the best way to create an outrigger canoe with contemporary methods.

29. Reeds Skipper’s Handbook  

Owning a small index of essential knowledge can be invaluable at sea, and Malcolm Pearson’s Reeds Skipper’s Handbook is just that.

This book is an indispensable guide for any experienced sailor, as it’s easy to reference and find exactly what you’re looking for.

30. The Best of Sail Trim  

This volume is a compilation of the best articles from SAIL magazine, collected for ease of access. Explore tips ranging from cruises to racing.

The information in this book is easy and enjoyable to read while giving plenty of priceless tips.

31. Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules: 2021-2024 Rules  

Get into racing with this complete guide Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules: 2021-2024 Rules. Written by the Olympic sailor Paul Elvstrom, learn all the ins and outs to win first place.

This book has a quick reference guide for racing flags and ways to help plan the best course.

32. Maneuver and Dock Your Sailboat Under Power  

Docking a boat can be one of the most challenging tasks a sailor can undertake. Maneuver and Dock Your Sailboat Under Power by Grant Headifen prepares the reader for docking in any condition.

Feel confident sailing into the marina with one of the best sailing books focused on navigation, and never risk bumping into the docks again.

Waterborne

Home » Blog » Gear » 25 sailing books every sailor should read

25 sailing books every sailor should read

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: January 26, 2023

THE BEST SAILING BOOKS INSPIRE YOU TO GET OUT THERE

Whether you’re looking to do some armchair sailing during the off-season or stock up your floating library with sailing stories for summer cruising, these are the best sailing books for adventure and inspiration.

In this list, you’ll find books about sailing around the world, first-hand accounts of daring Antarctic adventures, true crime nautical thrillers, and meditative musings about life at sea. Be sure to let us know your favorite sailing books in the comments below.

If you’re looking for reference books on boat maintenance and how to sail, check out our post on the nautical books we’ll never go to sea without .

A quick note that this post contains affiliate links (so if you purchase through a link we’ll earn a small commission). All the opinions are our own.

Best books about sailing around the world

1. the long way – bernard moitessier.

This is the book that inspired us to buy a boat and go sailing! Bernard Moitessier was a French sailor who raced in the 1968 Golden Globe, the first single-handed around the world race.

He sails from England alone for several months and when it seems he is just about to win…(well, I won’t spoil it for you!). His account is a great adventure story and also a deep meditation on zen philosophy.

2. Sailing Alone Around the World – Joshua Slocum

Joshua Slocum’s  Sailing Alone Around the World  is a really interesting account of the first solo-circumnavigation. It would be an interesting account even if it were written today but is especially so due to the fact that the events he recounts take place prior to the 20th century.

In many ways, Slocum was the first cruiser and the trouble he gets himself into, the people he meets, and the places he goes are things to which we can all relate.

3. A World of My Own – Robin Knox-Johnston

Robin Knox-Johnston’s account of his non-stop solo-circumnavigation of the world. He presents a vivid and  vulnerable portrait of a sailor attempting to accomplish what most thought impossible.

It’s a testament to the ability of the human mind to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and heartening for fellow sailors who will encounter situations that put their own courage to the test. It’s a great read and details one of the most incredible feats of the modern era.

4. Dove – Robin Lee Graham

Dove is a book for those who dream of sailing around the world.

In 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham set off from California in 24-footer on a solo round-the-world voyage. After 5 years and 33,000 miles, he returns with a wife and daughter. His adventures in between are recounted in this best-selling book.

5. Gipsy Moth Circles The World – Francis Chichester

In August 1966, Francis Chichester set out from Plymouth on his 53-foot ketch “Gypsy Moth VI”. He would become the first person to make a one-stop round the world circumnavigation.

Chichester’s journey set records, earned him a knighthood, and fueled the ambition of the next generation of sailors, to become the first to sail around the world non-stop in the 1968 Golden Globe Race.

6. Maiden Voyage – Tania Aebi with Bernadette Brennan

At 18 years old, Tania Aebi was going nowhere, until her father presented her with an ultimatum: she could go to college or get a boat. She chose the latter and for the next two and a half years and 27,000 miles, she sailed the world with only her cat as a companion.

Sailing adventure books

7. an island to oneself – tom neale.

New Zealander, Tom Neale travels to Suwarrow, a remote South Pacific atoll, and spends 16 years living alone and off the land. If you’ve ever fantasized about living on a remote South Pacific Island, this book is for you.

8. Sailing & Mountain Exploration Books  – H.W. Tilman

Considered one of the greatest adventurers of our time, Tilman has sailed and climbed in some of the world’s most remote and environments. His sailing books are must-reads for those who dream of straying from the beaten path and sailing in high-latitudes.

yacht racing books

9. Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft – Thor Heyerdahl

Kon-Tiki was the first book about sailing that I ever read.  And really it is more about adventuring than sailing. The sheer foolhardiness of building a balsa wood raft and sailing it 4000 miles from Peru to Tahiti is enough to pique the interest of any adventurous soul.

It’s fascinating to read the various ways that the four men on the raft handled the, at times, boring, stressful, exciting, and survival situations in which they were placed.

Sailing thriller books

10. and the sea will tell – vincent bugliosi.

In this terrifying true story, two couples sail to a remote Pacific atoll, but only one couple makes it off the Island alive. As told by the defense lawyer, Vincent Bugliosi (who also prosecuted Charles Manson), the investigation that follows is a riveting true-crime murder mystery.

And the Sea Will Tell reconstructs the events and recounts the trial that follows. The first half of the book is a real page-turner. The second half delves into technical aspects of the court case which makes for a less compelling read (unless perhaps you’re a lawyer!).

11. The Perfect Storm – Sebastian Junger

A real-life thriller, this book is likely to scare you out of ever leaving land, but it will also give you an appreciation of the sheer power of weather in the Atlantic Ocean.

Junger tells the story of the Perfect Storm, a record topping storm that hit the east coast of North America in the fall of 1991. It follows the accounts of the crews of the fishing boat, a sailboat, and the U.S. Coast Guard as they battle to survive the severe conditions.

12. Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea – Steven Callahan

A staggering survival story written by Steven Callahan about 76 days spent in a life raft in the Atlantic Ocean.

Only six days out, Callahan’s small sloop capsizes and he’s left battling for survival in an inflatable raft. “Adrift” was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than thirty-six weeks when it first came out.

13. Godforsaken Sea – Derek Lundy

Godforsaken Sea  recounts the running of the 1996-97 Vendée Globe. On 3 November 1996, sixteen sailors set out to race around the world single-handed. Only six completed the course. The book explores what compels a sailor to go to sea why the Vendée Globe racers were willing to risk everything.

Sailing and cruising stories

14. the curve of time – m. wylie blanchet.

The story of a single mother in the 1920s with 3 children and a dog, exploring Vancouver Island’s inside passage.

In 1926 Muriel “Capi” Wylie Blanchet, a Vancouver Island resident, tragically lost her husband Geoffrey when he took their 25 ft cabin cruiser “Caprice” out on a solo camping trip and never returned. Rather than sell the boat, she took her three young children and dog on summer sojourns, exploring the pristine BC coast with nothing but her wits to rely on.

She documents her many adventures: piloting through whirlpools, run-ins with bears and cougars, climbing thousand-foot cliffs, and exploring abandoned First Nations villages. Her account is both inspiring and a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and be present with those you love.

One of the few books to make our list of best sailing books that doesn’t take place on a sailboat!

15. Seraffyn’s European Adventure – Lin and Larry Pardey

Lin and Larry Pardey are living proof that you don’t need to be wealthy to see the world. They traveled for 26 years (covering the equivalent of 5 circumnavigations) in their home-built cutters, Seraffyn and Taleisin.

In Seraffyn’s European Adventure the young couple journey in their 24ft boat to the Baltic, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany. Without engine, electronics, or gadgetry these scrappy sailors accomplish remarkable things through sheer endurance and resourcefulness.

Their stories are as salty as it gets and their message is freedom: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

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16. The Log from the Sea of Cortez – John Steinbeck

An account of the six-week scientific expedition made by John Steinbeck in 1940 with marine biologist Ed Ricketts, collecting marine specimens as they travel through the Sea of Cortez.

The book recounts bizarre sea creatures, funny anecdotes about the eccentric crew, and Steinbeck/Ricketts’ life philosophies. A good read if you’re planning to visit Mexico.

17. The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float – Farley Mowat

If you’ve ever cursed your boat, you’ll sympathize with the exasperated (but ever hopeful) Mowat in “The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float”.

Seeking adventure, Mowat hopes to buy a boat , a proud and seaworthy vessel, and roam the seven seas. Instead, he gets the worst boat ever and nearly goes mad trying to keep it from sinking.

yacht racing books

18. Passage to Juneau – Jonathan Raban

Raban sails from Seattle to Juneau in a small boat, deftly describing the history of First Nations, Captain Vancouver, and life at sea as he travels up the coast.

More than just a travelogue, Raban recounts personal challenges: his relationship with his father, and being a good dad to his young daughter Julia. The Pacific Northwest history is absolutely fascinating and Raban is a deep and thoughtful soul who you can’t help but empathize with.

19. The Incredible Voyage – Tristan Jones

With wit and style, Tristan Jones tells the story of his 6-year voyage where he sailed a distance equal to twice the circumference of the world. His adventures include capsizing off the Cape of Good Hope, starving in the Amazon, and dodging snipers on the Red Sea.

yacht racing books

20. Looking for a Ship – John McPhee

John McPhee, considered one of the pioneers of creative nonfiction, recounts a 42-day journey from Charleston down the Pacific coast of South America on one of the last American merchant ships, the S.S. Stella Lykes.

21. My Old Man and the Sea – David Hays, Daniel Hays

An account of an ambitious father-son project: build a boat and take on Cape Horn. With nothing more than a compass, sextant, and pet cat, the father and son duo are tested on an incredible voyage. Told in alternating sections by father and son.

Best Nautical Novels

yacht racing books

22. Moby Dick – Herman Melville

No list of classic sailing novels would be complete without Moby Dick.

The story follows a whaler captain’s quest for revenge against the giant sperm whale, Moby Dick. Written by Herman Melville in 1851, it’s considered one of the “Great American Novels”.

23. The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway

yacht racing books

24. Master and Commander – Patrick O’Brian

Published in 1969, this nautical novel was the start of a 20-book series. Set at the turn of the 19th century, the story follows a young Jack Aubrey, who has recently been promoted to the rank of Master and Commander.

Sailing logbook

yacht racing books

25. Sailing logbook

The best sailing stories are the ones you create!  Pick up one of these hardcover logbooks to record your nautical travels.

Looking for more great sailing stories? Check out our posts on sailing vlogs and sailing podcasts .

Do you have any suggestions for other inspirational sailing books? We’d love to get your recommendations – please leave them in the comment box below.

Fiona McGlynn

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Monday 1st of April 2019

Hi there! Great post, but my all time favorite is “South Sea Vagabonds” by John Wray!

Niah Vaughan

Saturday 16th of March 2019

The Loneliest Race by Paul Gelder. Is a must read.

Wednesday 27th of March 2019

Thanks Niah. I've been thinking about writing a post on sailing race books - there are some many good ones!

Michael Robertson

Friday 15th of March 2019

Overlooked on this list and many others is the great "The Water in Between" by Kevin Patterson.

Yes indeed - that's a great recommendation.

Jean Baillargeon

Hi Fiona n Robin, Hope you’re not missing the heat of the SP too too much. If I may suggest a few more books for your great list.

Anything by Moitessier of course, specially «Vagabond des mers du Sud» (telling of his learning to sail in Vietnam as a young man), and «Tamata et l’Alliance», (his last book written during his years living in French Polynesia) Quick english titles list here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=moitessier+bernard&crid=DQW3GY4NSYPS&sprefix=Moitessier%2Caps%2C446&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10

Anything about Éric Tabarly, there are one or two bios and he wrote one account of his winning the BOAC. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tabarly&crid=C9Q57RE444SF&sprefix=Tabarly%2Caps%2C872&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_5

And my welsh mother in law would be very disappointed in me if I did not recommend Tristan Jones’ books. His are tall tales that sometimes strech believability, but they sure a great read. Typical welsh storyteller with a knack for spinning a good yarn with priceless tongue in cheek humour. Also of interest to handicapped sailors, Jones lost a leg to diabetes on one of his crossings, but kept sailing for many years afterwards. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tristan+jones+books&crid=11M2GS14E6MD4&sprefix=tristan+jones%2Caps%2C1327&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_13

These are great! Thank you Jean. Hope you're finding lots of time for reading on the boat in paradise :)

Darlene Kristi

You did miss a riveting true story, which won the National Outdoor Book Award for best book of the year! Journey of A Hope Merchant - from Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing. by Neal Petersen

Wow this sounds fascinating! We'll check it out. Thanks Darlene.

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5 Favorite Sailing Books to Build Racing Skills

Build racing skills with these 5 books.

To build racing skills, it’s always good to refresh your understanding of key concepts and skills, so you can take them up a notch, or least not slip backwards.  Here are five books that have enough solid content to keep me coming back for more.

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Yachting Monthly

  • Digital edition

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Books for sailors: our pick of the best new releases

  • Julia Jones
  • April 21, 2022

Yachting Monthly literary contributor Julia Jones reviews all the latest new releases to pick the best books for sailors this summer

Books for sailors - a sailor reading a kindle on the deck of a boat

Credit: Getty

Looking for inspiration for your holiday reading list?

From solo sailing adventures to practical seamanship , here are the best books for sailors to read over the summer.

The Temptress Voyages

The Temptress Voyages - new releases

Edward Allcard’s first two books Single-Handed Voyage (1950) and Temptress Returns (1951) chronicle his pioneering voyages both ways across the Atlantic .

He bought the elderly 34’ yawl Temptress as an antidote to postwar malaise, then set out to put himself and his yacht to the test.

He began his 81-day single-handed crossing to New York in May 1949, spending hours at the tiller or hove-to.

This arduous existence represented freedom.

He felt regret as well as triumph when he reached America, then regret when he was eventually obliged to leave.

The return voyage almost cost his life but later, when he was joined by Otilia the stowaway, he also discovered friendship.

These two volumes of struggle and self-discovery are classics of their time.

The Temptress Voyages by Edward Allcard, Lodestar, £12

Buy The Temptress Voyages at Amazon (UK)

Buy The Temptress Voyages at Foyles (UK)

Old Man Sailing

Old Man Sailing Book JAcket

Old Man Sailing has become a word-of-mouth bestseller among sailing titles.

In March 2020 John Passmore was content on his Rival 32 Samsara , the wrong side of the Lowestoft Harbour bridge.

Three months lockdown was imminent. He shifted his berth within the hour.

Then, after some careful provisioning he moved to the Walton Backwaters to complete preparations, observe quarantine and pick a weather window before leaving for the Azores northabout Shetland.

When he returned, six weeks and 3,629 miles later, his action had caught the public imagination.

Passmore, a former journalist, is an accomplished writer able to shape his anecdotes and remain wryly entertaining as well as thought-provoking throughout.

These qualities will ensure Old Man Sailing continues to be read long after lockdown has faded from memory.

Old Man Sailing by John Passmore, Samsara Press, £10.24

Buy Old Man Sailing at Amazon (UK)

Buy Old Man Sailing at Amazon (US)

Buy Old Man Sailing at Audible

Addicted to More Adventure

Addicted to more adventure by Bob Shepton Book Jacket

A new collection of Bob Shepton’s adventures is an immediate pleasure.

Perhaps, as he’s a chaplain by trade, it’s not surprising that there is also a message: ‘Risk is good, enjoy it’.

Ellen Massey Leonard’s afterword spells out the essential connection between risk and joy. ‘Bob has found joy throughout his life in climbing unclimbed cliffs […] and in reaching some of the world’s most remote wildernesses under sail.’

In many of the voyages described here his role is to help others achieve similar experiences.

As well as leading a west-east return through the North-West passage, he acts as a delivery skipper and a sailing master and conveys other, younger, mountaineers to make those thrilling first ascents that are now beyond his reach.

Addicted to More Adventure by Bob Shepton, Amazon, £15

Buy Addicted to More Adventure at Amazon (UK)

Buy Addicted to More Adventure at Amazon (US)

Buy Addicted to More Adventure at Waterstones (UK)

A River in Borneo

A River in Borneo book jacket

Richard Woodman insists that this is his last novel and it’s one of his best, which is why it has been included in our books for sailors list.

A River in Borneo is set in the Malaysian and Indonesian waters he explored as a junior officer in the 1960s Merchant Navy.

The sailing scenes are pure delight as Captain Harry Kirton handles his elderly brigantine as if she were a yacht.

The central action is set in the mid 19th century and Kirton must learn to navigate the sensitivities of different ethnic groups within his crew with the same skill that he negotiates the intricate island passages between the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

Moulded by pain, Kirton is one of Woodman’s most psychologically interesting characters. If this is Woodman’s swansong, it’s a good way to go.

A River in Borneo by Richard Woodman, McBooks Press, £21.95

Buy A River in Borneo at Amazon (UK)

Buy A River in Borneo at Amazon (US)

Buy A River in Borneo at Waterstones (UK)

The Sea is not made of Water

The Sea is not made of water book jacket

This is a book with the wow factor.

It’s an astonishingly wide-ranging tour-de-force which finally reaches the assertion that the sea ‘is a world to come alongside, to be-with in ways that go beyond the predatory’.

Whilst most sailors will have little trouble with this concept, Nicolson works his way towards it from a coast-based perspective.

Although he does sail out towards Lismore Lighthouse in the Sound of Mull, in a 16ft wooden lugger, his interest is in observation of the inter-tidal rocks, weeds, creatures and legends.

Writing on tides he highlights the Newtonian theory that what we experience is not the sea being pulled about the surface of the earth, but the turning of the earth under the surface covering of the sea – a concept both awe-inspiring and giddying.

The Sea is not made of Water by Adam Nicolson, Harper Collins, £20

Buy The Sea is not made of Water at Amazon (UK)

Buy The Sea is not made of Water at Amazon (US)

Buy The Sea is not made of Water at Waterstones (UK)

Buy The Sea is not made of Water at Audible

Continues below…

Sailing thrillers to enjoy

Sailing thrillers to escape with this holiday

The escapism of sailing thrillers can be a real draw, especially over the holiday period. Julia Jones reviews some of…

yacht racing books

The best sailing books & cruising guides of 2021

The best sailing books of 2021? Julia Jones reviews the latest maritime reading

Best children's books

Best children’s books for youngsters who sail

Struggling to find the perfect gift for your sailing mad youngster? Yachting Monthly literary reviewer Julia Jones picks the best…

The Five Year Voyage: Exploring Latin American Coasts and Rivers

Book jacket for the Five Year Voyage

When the wanderlust returned he had a partner, Ginny, equally eager for adventure, so adapted a slightly larger boat.

Thurston was an adapted Sea Pearl 21, a two-masted trailersailer , drawing only 9 inches.

They added a cabin top, drinking water ballast, stowage and a sliding seat rowing system.

Two years later, having travelled from Florida to Panama, they added a Honda 2hp outboard.

This enabled them to spend a further three years exploring the coastline and great rivers of South America as far as Buenos Aires.

On the way they married and had a baby.

This is an intensely impressive small boat voyage. It’s also grippingly readable.

The Five-Year Voyage : Exploring Latin American Coasts and Rivers by Stephen Ladd, Seekers Press, £15.99

Buy The Five Year Voyage at Amazon (UK)

Buy The Five Year Voyage at Amazon (US)

Essential Boat Electronics

Book jacket fro Essential Boat Electronics

Electrics are the ‘number 1 problem on any boat’ states the blurb.

While some may wish to challenge this, the fact remains that recent decades have seen an unprecedented increase in the complexity of systems on even the most modest cruising yacht.

Often these systems have been overlaid on one another as new needs have been identified or earlier installations found inadequate.

This useful guide avoids too much theory but encourages better organisation and an understanding of personal priorities.

Even those of us who are privately determined to use professionals wherever possible, it would be well advised to read this book and keep it on board, for the moments when self-reliance is unavoidable.

This is not a problem that’s set to go away.

Essential Boat Electronics 3rd edition by Oliver Ballam and Pat Manley, Fernhurst Books, £16.99

Buy Essential Boat Electronics at Amazon (UK)

Buy Essential Boat Electronics at Amazon (US)

The Shetland Sea Murders

Sailing thriller - the Shetland Sea Murders book jacket

The Shetland Sea Murders is the 9th book in an established series featuring sailor Cas Lynch, but can be read as a standalone thriller.

The story starts will Lynch running her last charter of the season, which is disrupted by a VHF radio call from the Shetland coastguard.

What follows is two apparently unrelated murders, and soon Lynch herself is under threat.

Fans of Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series will throughly enjoy the plot’s twists and turns.

It will certainly keep you entertained!

Buy The Shetland Sea Murders at Amazon (UK )

Buy The Shetland Sea Murders at Amazon (US)

Buy The Shetland Sea Murders at Waterstones

Buy The Shetland Sea Murders at Audible

The Dinghy Cruising Companion

The Dinghy Cruising Companion (2nd edition) book jacket

This is the second edition of an important book, and deserves inclusion in our list of books for sailors.

Roger Barnes’s writing recalls Maurice Griffiths’s titles of the 1930s – Magic of the Swatchways and Ten Small Yachts – where the romance of solitude and the challenge of self-reliance took people and their boats to unexpected anchorages, as well as into the warmth of the pub at the end of the day.

Like Griffiths, Barnes writes beautifully but also offers sound, experience-based advice and discusses the qualities of different types of vessel as well as rigs, equipment and modifications.

It’s arguable we would all be better sailors if we reminded ourselves more often of the interplay of wind and waves experienced from inside the hull of a dinghy .

The Dinghy Cruising Companion (2nd edition) by Roger Barnes, Adlard Coles, £16.99

Buy The Dinghy Cruising Companion at Amazon (UK)

Buy The Dinghy Cruising Companion at Amazon (US)

Buy The Dinghy Cruising Companion at Waterstones (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Visit the Yachting Monthly Book Club for more of the best sailing books released this year.

If you have recommendations for books for sailors – get in touch at [email protected]

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35 Best Books for Sailors: Adventures, Sailing Stories, and Guides

pin of boat winches and lines

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn from other affiliate websites. See our full disclaimer .

If you’re a sailor, you know that there’s nothing quite like the open sea. The sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and the waves crashing against your boat’s hull – it’s a feeling that can’t be captured anywhere else.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite sailing books that inspire that passion and some of the best sailing guides to get you out on the water.

girl reading books on sailboat bow

From sailing adventure novels to non-fiction books about sailing around the world, there’s something for every sailor and armchair adventurer on this list. We’ve also included sailing books for cruisers and liveaboard sailors that share information and stories about the sailing lifestyle.

So whether you’re looking for a new book to read on your next sailing trip or just curious about life on the ocean, be sure to check out our picks for the best books for sailors.

Sailing Adventure Books – Non-Fiction

Non-fiction sailing books offer sailors a glimpse into the actual dangers and excitement of life at sea. Some of the most fantastic adventure stories are about life on the open ocean. These books of survival, exploration, and determination will leave a lasting impression and a feeling of respect for the sea.

1. Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea

By Steven Callahan

Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea

Adrift is a non-fiction book by Steven Callahan that tells the story of his 1982 sailing expedition, during which he was stranded in a lifeboat for 76 days.

The book chronicles his story as he fights for survival against all odds. This is an original, true adventure story that should be on every sailor’s reading list.

2. The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst

By Nicholas Tomalin

The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst: Now Filmed As The Mercy

The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst is a non-fiction book by Nicholas Tomalin that tells the story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst, a man who attempted the Golden Globe Race around the world in 1968.

The book follows Crowhurst’s journey, revealing this solo race’s mental toll on a sailor.

3. The Proving Ground

By Bruce Knecht

The Proving Ground

The Proving Ground is about the 1998 world-renowned Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. A distance of only 630 nautical miles, it is considered one of the most challenging races in the world, but it would also become fatal in this particular year.

A massive storm with 80-knot gusts and enormous waves tore apart the racing yachts killing six sailors and stranding 55 others. The book follows the stories of three of the yachts fighting for survival and showcases how those people of different backgrounds reacted in the face of disaster.

This story of courage, determination, and tragedy has been described as the ‘Perfect Storm’ version of a sailing race. Even if you know nothing about yacht racing or sailing, you can still find this book interesting and entertaining to read.

4. The Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

By Alfred Lansing

Endurance

The Endurance is a non-fiction book by Alfred Lansing that tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to Antarctica. The book follows the journey of the Endurance, a ship that was caught in pack ice and eventually destroyed.

This book is one of the most remarkable survival stories ever told. It is made even more interesting since the wreckage of the Endurance was just recently found in March of 2022 over 10,000 feet below the Weddell Sea.

5. In the Heart of the Sea

The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex

In the Heart of the Sea is a non-fiction book by Nathaniel Philbrick that reveals the true story of the whaleship Essex – the ship that was the inspiration for the timeless classic Moby-Dick.

In 1820, the Essex was attacked by a giant sperm whale, and the crew was forced to abandon ship. They sailed for over 90 days in small boats before finally being rescued. This is a sailing book of true survival and the unforgivable nature of the sea.

6. The Perfect Storm

A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger

The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea

The Perfect Storm is a non-fiction book by Sebastian Junger that tells the story of the 1991 Perfect Storm, a hurricane that caused massive damage along the East Coast of the United States.

The book follows the lives of the fishermen who were caught in the storm, and it paints a vivid picture of how perilous a storm at sea can be.

A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea by Tami Oldham Ashcraft

Adrift [Movie tie-in]: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea

Adrift is an autobiography by Tami Oldham Ashcraft about two adventurous souls and their sailing passage from Tahiti to California. During this trip, Tami and her fiancé encounter a cataphoric hurricane that severely damages the sailboat.

This book is a true sailing survival story of a woman dealing with loss while struggling against impossible odds.

8. The Silent World

By Jacques Cousteau

The Silent World: The International Bestseller by the Father of Underwater Exploration (National Geographic Adventure Classics)

The father of scuba diving first introduced us to the mysteries of the underwater world in his book The Silent World. This book was published before Cousteau’s TV series and literally dived into the beginning of scuba and underwater adventure.

This book will delight sailors who are also divers and interested in exploring and discovering the deep sea as it was first explored through scuba in the 1950s.

9. Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft

By Thor Heyerdahl

Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft

The Kon-Tiki expedition was a famous 1947 voyage from South America to Polynesia on a raft built from balsa wood and bamboo. The team consisted of six men. The voyage was designed to test Heyerdahl’s theory that the ancient Polynesians could have settled in South America, and it proved to be a success.

This book is another fascinating true story of sailing expeditions and exploration in the 20th century.

Sailing Adventure Books – Fiction

Sailing adventure books are a great way to get lost in a story while enjoying the open seas. These novels often follow the journey of a sailing vessel or crew fighting for survival on the sea or a dangerous voyage in uncharted waters. They’re perfect for anyone who loves adventure and suspense or wants to escape from the real world.

These are some of our favorite fictional books on sailing adventures.

10. The Old Man and the Sea

By Ernest Hemingway

The Old Man and the Sea: The Hemingway Library Edition

The Old Man and the Sea is a classic novel by Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1952. The novella tells the story of an aged Cuban fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin fish for three days and nights in the Gulf Stream before finally killing it. He sets himself against both his own past, represented by his young brother, and the present, in the form of the marlin.

It’s a simple (and relatively short) story, but with a closer look, you can see why this book earned Hemingway the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953.

11. Moby-Dick

By Herman Melville

Moby-Dick (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of our favorite sailing novels is also a classic by anyone’s standards. Moby-Dick tells the story of a sailor’s quest to hunt down a giant white whale.

The book captures the essence of life on the open ocean and, in turn, captures who sailors are as people, both adventurous and determined. This is one of the great sailing stories that should be on your must-read list.

12. Master and Commander

The Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian

Master and Commander (Vol. Book 1) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels)

Master and Commander is the first book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the Napoleonic Wars. The book follows the life of Captain Jack Aubrey, a British naval officer, and his friend Dr. Stephen Maturin, a ship’s surgeon.

The Aubrey-Maturin series offers a glimpse into the life of a naval officer during the Age of Sail. It’s a story of friendship and adventure, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

You can also check out the movie of the same name, which made our Top 15 Sailing Movies list .

13. The Life of Pi

By Yann Martel

Life Of Pi

The Life of Pi is a novel by Yann Martel that tells the story of a young boy who is stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger in the Pacific Ocean.

The story follows Pi as he attempts to survive for 227 days on the lifeboat, using his wits and animal instincts to keep himself alive. It’s an intense and harrowing story, but one that ultimately speaks to the human spirit and the will to survive.

14. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

By C.S. Lewis

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia Book 5)

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the fifth novel by C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia series that tells the story of King Caspian’s voyage to find the seven lost lords of Narnia. The book follows the journey of the Dawn Treader, a ship that King Caspian captains.

Lewis’s ability to create interesting characters and settings makes this book a joy to read. If you are looking for a story with a fun sailing adventure, this is a good book to get lost in!

Books About Sailing Around the World

These books are true stories about sailors who circumnavigated the globe. From the first solo sail around the world to sailing around the world in a 12-foot boat – these books are packed with some of the best sailing stories of all time!

15. Sailing Alone Around the World

By Joshua Slocum

Sailing Alone Around the World

Sailing Alone Around the World is a sailing classic written by Joshua Slocum. The memoir recounts Slocum’s journey as the first person to solo sail around the world.

This book follows Captain Slocum’s three-year, 46,000-mile journey beginning in 1895 as he encounters an exciting number of challenges, including dangerous coral reefs, pirates, and even Indians. This book is the original true-story sailing adventure novel!

16. Maiden Voyage

By Tania Aebi

Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage is an autobiography that tells the story of an 18-year-old whose father gives her a choice between college and circumnavigating the globe solo in a 26-foot sailboat.

The book chronicles her remarkable journey around the world and provides a story of inner strength and determination that is sure to inspire anyone who reads it.

17. Gipsy Moth Circles the World

By Francis Chichester

Gipsy Moth Circles the World

Gipsy Moth Circles the World is a book about the author’s solo circumnavigation in 1966 on his 53-foot ketch via Cape Horn. At the time, he was one of only nine boats to sail around the world on this route and set a new record for speed on his 226-day journey.

This book is an authentic mariner’s sailing story, providing all the details of what it was like sailing solo on this voyage – from constant sail changes to weather and day-to-day activities. The fact that the author was 65-years-old on the journey makes the feat even more impressive.

By Robin Lee Graham

Dove

Dove is a sailing autobiography by Robin Lee Graham that tells how at 16-years-old he began an around-the-world sailing exhibition in 1965. During this trip on a 24-foot sloop, he became the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo.

The book chronicles his 33,000-mile journey, from exploring gorgeous tropical islands to finding his wife.

19. 500 Days: Around the World on a 12 Foot Yacht

By Serge Testa

500 Days: Around the World on a 12 Foot Yacht

Follow along with Testa as he sets the world record for the smallest boat to circumnavigate. During his 500 days sailing on an incredibly tiny yacht built by the author himself, he recounts his sailing stories with humor sprinkled throughout.

There’s no doubt Testa is a very self-sufficient and determined sailor, and he might even convenience you to start your sailing journey on a smaller sailboat!

20. The Long Way

By Bernard Moitessier

The Long Way: Sheridan House Maritime Classic (Sheridan House Maritime Classics)

The Long Way is a book by Bernard Moitessier that tells the story of his 1969 participation in the first Golden Globe Race. This race is a non-stop circumnavigation during which Moitessier sails around three capes, including Cape Horn. Follow along with the author and the many challenges he faces, including terrible weather, loneliness, fatigue, and maintenance issues.

The Long Way exploits the struggles of solo sailing passages and shows the rewards behind such a challenging feat.

Best Books on Sailing for Beginners

If you’re new to sailing or living on a boat, you might wonder where to start. These books will teach you how to sail, maintain a sailboat, and live on a sailboat. We’ve also listed excellent guides to cruising on a sailboat, including what boat to buy and how to outfit it.

Here are some of the best books for beginner sailors and liveaboards.

21. Sailing Made Easy

By The American Sailing Association

Sailing Made Easy

Sailing Made Easy is a book by the American Sailing Association that provides a comprehensive guide to sailing for beginners. The book covers everything from the basics of sailing to more advanced topics, and it includes many helpful illustrations and photos.

Sailing Made Easy is the guidebook for sailing school with the American Sailing Association and its ASA1 course. It’s an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn how to sail!

22. Don Casey’s Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual

By Don Casey

Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual: Including Inspecting the Aging Sailboat, Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair, Sailboat Refinishing, Sailbo

Don Casey’s Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual is the ultimate guide to sailboat maintenance. Casey is considered the ‘go-to’ expert for answers about repair and maintenance in the sailboat community.

With six full sections on sailboat maintenance, this book includes everything from how to repair sails and other sailboat fabrics, to how to repair fiberglass. Casey includes many helpful illustrations and photographs along the way to make it easy to understand each step of the project.

Don Casey’s Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual is an essential resource for anyone who owns or plans to own a sailboat. Not only will it help you keep your boat in top condition, but it will save you money in the long run.

23. The Boat Galley Cookbook

By Carolyn Shearlock & Jan Irons

The Boat Galley Cookbook

The Boat Galley Cookbook is a cookbook that was written specifically for sailors cooking in a sailboat galley.

The author, Carolyn, is well known in the cruising community for her blog The Boat Galley, and is considered an authority on cooking onboard.

The book includes over 800 recipes for all kinds of meals, snacks, and desserts, and it provides instructions on how to prepare them while sailing. The authors have also included helpful tips on food storage and preparation and advice on how to make things like yogurt and bread aboard.

The Boat Galley Cookbook is an essential resource for anyone who loves to sail and wants to enjoy delicious food while doing so. It’s also an excellent gift for any sailor in your life!

24. The Essentials of Living Aboard a Boat

By Mark Nicholas

The Essentials of Living Aboard a Boat

This book is chock-full of realistic and useful information for anyone who wants to learn how to live on a boat. Nicholas covers everything from the basics of living aboard to more advanced topics, such as insurance and liveaboard marinas. He also goes in-depth on boat buying and budgeting.

This is truly an excellent resource for the new boat owner who has a goal to liveaboard.

25. Get Real, Get Gone

How to Become a Modern Sea Gypsy and Sail Away Forever by Rick Page

Get Real, Get Gone: How to Become a Modern Sea Gypsy and Sail Away Forever

Rick Page’s book, Get Real, Get Gone, is about escaping the rat race by sailing away on a boat – and not needing to be a millionaire to do it.

Page provides helpful tips, from choosing the right boat and preparing for departure to dealing with challenging weather conditions and staying safe at sea.

Rick Page’s philosophy is to keep things simple so you can get out on the water as soon as possible. The author focuses on simplicity onboard, frugal sailing, and sustainable traveling. This book is an incredible resource for anyone looking to make their dream of sailing away into the sunset a reality.

26. Capable Cruiser

By Lin & Larry Pardey

Capable Cruiser 3rd Edition

This book is an updated extension of the Pardeys’ book ‘The Self-Sufficient Sailor.’ This comprehensive cruising guide is even more jam-packed with information on all aspects of cruising, from boat selection and outfitting to weather forecasting and provisioning.

The authors have over 50 years of combined cruising experience and are somewhat legends in the cruising community. Their motto of “go small, go now” is a well-known sailing quote and has gotten many sailors out on the water sooner with a simple setup that allows them to live their cruising dreams!

27. Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual

By Nigel Calder

Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual 4/E

The Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual is a book that covers in detail the mechanical and electrical systems of a boat.

The author, Nigel Calder, has included information on everything from maintaining your diesel engine, wiring your boat, servicing your winches, troubleshooting your batteries, and much more.

Nigel is so good at answering your mechanical and electrical issues we took to just saying “let’s see what Nigel says” whenever we had a problem on our sailboat.

This book is an essential resource for boat owners and sailors.

28. The Annapolis Book of Seamanship

By John Rousmaniere

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship: Fourth Edition

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship is considered the bible of sailing. It is a comprehensive guide covering topics such as sailing basics, sail trim, navigation, weather, boat maintenance, safety, anchoring, and more.

This guide is updated regularly and is an essential book to have onboard your sailing vessel.

Best Blue Water Sailing Guides

If your goal is blue water sailing, these three books are some of the most highly acclaimed and respected resources available today. They get you started with what sailboat to buy, the gear you need, route and passage planning, and more. Don’t leave shore without them!

29. World Cruising Routes

By Jimmy Cornell

World Cruising Routes, 9th Edition

This book is the most comprehensive guide on sailing routes around the world. Often referred to as the blue water cruising bible, it includes detailed information on weather conditions and currents around the world and the best times to make passages. You’ll even find details on where to provision, have repair work done, and other essential information.

World Cruising Routes is a must-have resource for any sailor interested in blue water sailing.

30. The Voyager’s Handbook: The Essential Guide to Blue Water Cruising

By Beth Leonard

The Voyager's Handbook: The Essential Guide to Blue Water Cruising

The Voyager’s Handbook is a book that covers everything you need to know about long-distance cruising. From buying the right blue water vessel to weather forecasting, passage planning, safety and emergency preparation, etc. This book presents a guide to cruising on either a shoestring budget or a larger allotment.

The author, Beth Leonard, has sailed around the world herself, and she provides detailed information on every topic and skill needed to successfully complete a long voyage on a sailboat.

31. How to Sail Around the World

By Hal Roth

How to Sail Around the World: Advice and Ideas for Voyaging Under Sail

Hal Roth has been sailing for more than 50 years and has logged more than 200,000 nautical miles. In his book, he shares his vast knowledge of sailing and very detailed information on blue water sailboats, passage planning, single-handing a small boat, and more.

He also covers topics such as:

  • How to buy a boat
  • How to learn navigation skills
  • What you need in order to sail around the world safely

If you are planning to circumnavigate or sail around part of the world, this is a great sailing blook to have at your disposal.

Best Sailing Books About Cruising

These books are written by cruisers living aboard and contain many sailing adventure stories to inspire your own liveaboard adventure! If you are looking for an accurate and sometimes humorous description of what it’s like living on a sailboat, these books are an excellent place to start.

32. A Sail of Two Idiots

100+ Lessons and Laughs from a Non-Sailor Who Quit the Rat Race, Took the Helm, and Sailed to a New Life in the Caribbean by Renee Petrillo

A Sail of Two Idiots: 100+ Lessons and Laughs from a Non-Sailor Who Quit the Rat Race, Took the Helm, and Sailed to a New Life in the Caribbean

A Sail of Two Idiots is a book written by Renee Petrillo that tells the story of her journey with her husband to go from zero experience as sailors to living on a boat in the Caribbean.

Renee shares her sailing adventures and lessons learned with humor, intelligence, and insight. Her book will make you laugh, cringe, and want to set sail on your own adventure. This book is recommended for beginner sailors or anyone who aspires to go cruising.

33. An Embarrassment of Mangoes

A Caribbean Interlude by Ann Vanderhoof

An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude

Ann Vanderhoof’s book, An Embarrassment of Mangoes, is a delightful account of her time spent living on a boat in the Caribbean.

Vanderhoof provides readers with a charming and humorous look at the people, culture, and food of the Caribbean. With stories that focus on their adjustments to life on a sailboat, intertwined with recipes and cooking tips around local ingredients in the islands.

An Embarrassment of Mangoes is a must-read for any foodies dreaming of living the cruising lifestyle!

34. Escape from the Ordinary

By Julie Bradley

Escape from the Ordinary (Escape Series Book 1)

Julie Bradley’s book, Escape from the Ordinary, tells the story of her and her husband’s decision to leave their life in the U.S. behind and sail around the world.

Bradley provides readers with an inspiring and honest look at the highs and lows of living a life of adventure as they travel to exotic places all over the globe.

35. Plunge: One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary

By Liesbet Collaert

Plunge: One Woman's Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary

If you’re looking for an inspiring and honest account of one woman’s journey to find a life less ordinary onboard a sailboat, you need to read Plunge.

Collaert provides readers with a compelling and candid look at the challenges and rewards of living a cruising lifestyle. From working remotely on a sailboat to the challenges of a relationship on a boat – Liesbet covers everything from a realistic perspective.

If you are considering diving into the world of sailboat living, Plunge will give you an accurate depiction of the lifestyle’s high highs and low lows.

The Best Books About Sailing

The best books for sailors provide readers with an inspiring and honest look at the challenges and rewards of a life of adventure.

Whether you want an inspiring account of one woman’s journey around the world or a humorous look at going off the grid and living aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean, these books will give you the inspiration you need to take the plunge.

RELATED ARTICLES

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Want to find more articles for sailing inspiration?

Check out our lists of sailing movies, quotes, music, and more that inspire this lifestyle.

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Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

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Yacht Racing Rules: A Complete Guide 1989-1992

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Yacht Racing Rules: A Complete Guide 1989-1992 Paperback – July 13, 1989

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Racing Rules for Sailors 1997-2000

  • Language English
  • Publisher A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd
  • Publication date July 13, 1989
  • ISBN-10 0713659807
  • ISBN-13 978-0713659801
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  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd; Revised edition (July 13, 1989)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0713659807
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0713659801
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.11 pounds

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The Best Boat Books and Sailing Novels to Read On Board

Looking for the best sea-inspired books to read on board? We round up the best boat books and sailing novels to read at sea on a superyacht holiday.

Life of Pi  by Yann Martel

Martel’s fantasy novel tells the story of Piscine Molitor ‘Pi’ Patel, adrift at sea and sharing a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. In 2012,  Life of Pi was adapted into one of the best boat movies .

The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo  by Robert Quinn

A gambler, inventor and fraudster with 36 aliases, Charles Wells famously bet his worldly possessions, including his yacht,  Palais Royal , at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in 1891 – and broke the bank. This fascinating account details his improbable life and investigates whether he really was just lucky at the tables.

Typhoon  by Joseph Conrad

This novella is best read while safe on shore – the description of the tropical storm in the title is unnervingly real. Conrad is thought to have drawn from his own experiences of riding out a cyclone aboard the steamer  John P Best.

The Endurance  by Caroline Alexander

In 1914, Ernest Henry Shackleton set off to cross the Antarctic continent, but his ship, Endurance , was crushed and sunk by the pack ice of the Weddell Sea. The rescue of his men involved an extraordinary journey of 800 miles across the South Atlantic in the tiny lifeboat James Caird . Alexander tells the story with gusto, her book marvellously enriched by expedition photographer Frank Hurley’s images.

Moby Dick  by Herman Melville

Herman Melville's 1851 tome tells the tale of Ahab, the captain of a whaler obsessed with getting revenge on a white whale that destroyed his ship on a previous voyage. The novel is notable for its accurate portrayal of whale hunting techniques, while issues such as class, race, status, religion and good and evil are explored through the whaler's diverse crew.

A Night to Remember  by Walter Lord

The tale of the maiden and final voyage of RMS Titanic is one of heroism as well as horror, and although it has been told many times, no one has done it better than Lord. This is the classic account, published when the disaster was still within living memory, and Lord – a hardworking historian from Baltimore – was able to speak to those who had survived the sinking of the White Star Line’s grandest ship.

The Voyage of the Narwhal  by Andrea Barrett

In 1845 Sir John Franklin set off on an expedition to find the elusive Northwest Passage, the fabled sea route to the Pacific through the frozen Arctic Ocean. His ships, Erebus and Terror , were lost; Franklin and his men seemingly vanished into thin air. In Barrett’s novel, naturalist Erasmus Darwin Wells sails from Philadelphia in 1855 aboard the Narwhal with the aim of discovering Franklin’s fate. This is a gripping novel that recreates the atmosphere aboard a 19th century ship venturing into the unknown with chilling accuracy.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

On the day of his wedding, Edmond Dantès, first mate of the Pharaon , is falsely accused of treason and imprisoned on a grim fortress off the coast of Marseille. The classic tale tells of Dantès' exhilarating escape aboard a smuggling ship and his plans for the ultimate revenge.

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

In Fitzgerald's classic from the roaring twenties, Gatsby experiences his first taste of the high life on board a yacht. As a young man Gatsby encounters a sloop named Tuolomee , a yacht that belongs to copper magnate Dan Cody. Cody invites him aboard and hires him on the spot as “steward, mate, skipper, secretary." Gatsby sailed for "five years, during which the boat went three times around the Continent.”

Tuolomee may be a fictional name, but the boat she was based on was real: Ventura , an 18.5-metre cutter-rigged sloop designed by Nathanael Herreshoff and so splendid that she now has national landmark status in the US. Fitzgerald once went aboard as a guest of its original owner, George F Baker, the co-founder of the First National Bank of the City of New York (now Citibank), whom Time magazine once described as “twice as rich as JP Morgan”.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Dreaming of sailing your superyacht to a private island ? Robinson Crusoe , which tells the story of a man set ashore on an island after a storm, is the perfect classic to read on board.

Longitude  by Dava Sobel

At London’s Royal Observatory you will find John Harrison’s marine chronometers. These masterpieces of engineering, invented by carpenter and clockmaker Harrison, were the first timepieces accurate enough to allow seamen to calculate their position in the open sea. American author Dava Sobel made Harrison’s quest to solve the problem of longitude into this compact, gripping narrative. Every sailor owes a debt to John Harrison and his clocks – and Sobel tells his story with panache.

The Odyssey  by Homer

The Odyssey is the second oldest piece of literature in the Western world, and the original sea-faring story. The epic poem sees the hero Odysseus coming up against sirens, a sea monster named Scylla and the god Poseidon in his decade-long effort to return home.

Casting Off  by Emma Bamford

Feeling stuck in a rut, London journalist Emma Bamford bought a one-way ticket to Borneo to work as crew on a yacht with a man she’d never met – and his cat. Her first memoir and its sequel, Untie the Lines , tell of her adventures sailing in South East Asia and the Caribbean.

Swallows and Amazons  by Arthur Ransome

For families stuck at on shore, get your children’s imaginations racing with this charming classic. In the English Lake District in 1929, five children join forces to defeat the treacherous Captain Flint with the help of their dinghies Swallow and Amazon . With a strong message of friendship and an emphasis on the importance of remembering the dangers of the sea, this is a must for any youngster.

The Old Man and the Sea  by Ernest Hemingway

One for those with a passion for the best sportfish yachts , Hemingway's novel follows the exploits of an ageing Cuban fisherman, Santiago, as he battles to catch a huge marlin off the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The Riddle of the Sands  by Erskine Childers

When British Foreign Office official Carruthers joins his acquaintance Davies for a yachting holiday on the Baltic Sea, he expects a leisurely sunshine cruise. Instead he finds himself quickly learning to sail a much smaller boat before discovering the invitation was a ruse to get him to help Davies investigate suspicious goings on by the Germans in the Frisian Islands. A fast-paced thriller that will have you yearning for a chase in one of the  world’s fastest tenders .

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea  by Jules Verne

Just invested in one of the  best superyacht submarines ? Let your imagination run away with you with Jules Verne’s underwater epic. The 1870 novel is most notable for Verne’s remarkable description of Captain Nemo’s  Nautilus , which accurately predicted features of modern submarines that were still decades away from being invented.

Selkirk’s Island  by Diana Souhami

Souhami tell the story of Alexander Selkirk, a young Scotsman engaged in privateering during the early 18th century. Following a dispute with the captain of C_inque Ports_, a 16-gun, 90-ton vessel, Selkirk was put ashore on an uninhabited island some 400 miles west of Chile. There he remained utterly alone for four years, until he was found by another vessel.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Another great story for sailing families, Treasure Island  tells the story of an adventurous boy who gets hold of a map and sets off on a ship in search of buried treasure. Among the crew, however, is the treacherous Long John Silver who is determined to keep the treasure for himself.

The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin

The Voyage of the Beagle  is an account of the five years (1831-36) Darwin spent as a naturalist on HMS Beagle cruising through the coastal waters around South America. Embarking on the journey at the age of 22, Darwin visited Tahiti, Australasia and the Galápagos. Had he not made the journey, his theories of transmutation might never have been formulated.

Lake Success by Gary Shteyngart

Gary Shteyngart’s uproariously funny Lake Success follows a status-obsessed New Yorker on a journey of self-discovery. Of course, there’s a boat in it. Indeed, its denouement hinges on a video made on a yacht off the coast of Sardinia.

This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson

For great entertainment value and a more controversial take on the whole Darwin enterprise, try Harry Thompson’s epic fictionalised retelling of the voyage.

Rites of Passage by William Golding

When it comes to the minutiae of life aboard, Golding, who served in the Navy during the Second World War, is writing from experience: the routine, the closed society and, most evocatively, the relentless movement, are key features of his novel.

Master & Commander by Patrick O’Brian

O’Brian’s 21 novels are set during the Napoleonic wars, and they follow the friendship between a Royal Navy officer and a surgeon as they serve on a succession of warships. Start with the first book and see how many you can get through...

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Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by SecondSale

Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing

Petersen, Neal

Published by Elevate, 2008

ISBN 10: 1601940181 / ISBN 13: 9781601940186

Seller: SecondSale , Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.

(5-star seller) Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars

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Used - Hardcover Condition: Good

Within U.S.A.

Quantity: 2

Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc.

Stock image for Journey Of A Hope Merchant: From Apartheid To The Elite World Of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by SecondSale

Journey Of A Hope Merchant: From Apartheid To The Elite World Of Solo Yacht Racing

Published by University of South Carolina Press, 2004

ISBN 10: 1570035644 / ISBN 13: 9781570035647

Used - Hardcover Condition: Acceptable

Quantity: 1

Condition: Acceptable. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant : From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by Better World Books: West

Journey of a Hope Merchant : From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing

Baldwin, William P., Fulcher, Patty, Petersen, Neal

Seller: Better World Books: West , Reno, NV, U.S.A.

Condition: Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant : From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by Better World Books

Fulcher, Patty, Petersen, Neal, P Baldwin, William

Published by Advantage Media Group, 2008

Seller: Better World Books , Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.

Seller image for 351909,Mississippi Landkarte State Capitol Lighthouse Yacht Racing Mehrbildkarte for sale by Versandhandel Lehenbauer

351909,Mississippi Landkarte State Capitol Lighthouse Yacht Racing Mehrbildkarte

Seller: Versandhandel Lehenbauer , Wallsee, Austria

(2-star seller) Seller rating 2 out of 5 stars

Manuscript / Paper Collectible

From Austria to U.S.A.

Zustand/M�ngel:Gute zeitgen�ssische Erhaltung.

Seller image for Carte Postale Ancienne Yacht Racing off Paignton Harbour for sale by CPAPHIL

Carte Postale Ancienne Yacht Racing off Paignton Harbour

Seller: CPAPHIL , SAINT-FARGEAU, France

Used Condition: recto tach� sinon bon �tat

From France to U.S.A.

Condition: recto tach� sinon bon �tat. Carte Postale Ancienne Yacht Racing off Paignton Harbour.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by Once Upon A Time Books

Seller: Once Upon A Time Books , Siloam Springs, AR, U.S.A.

(4-star seller) Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars

Hardcover. Condition: Good. This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear . This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear .

Stock image for The Racing Yachts (The Seafarers) for sale by Gulf Coast Books

The Racing Yachts (The Seafarers)

A. B. C. Whipple; Time-Life Staff [Editor]

Published by Time Life, Inc., 1980

ISBN 10: 0809426943 / ISBN 13: 9780809426942

Seller: Gulf Coast Books , Memphis, TN, U.S.A.

Hardcover. Condition: Good.

Stock image for The Racing Yachts (The Seafarers) for sale by BookHolders

A. B. C. Whipple, Time-Life Staff

Seller: BookHolders , Towson, MD, U.S.A.

Used - Hardcover Condition: Very Good

Condition: Very Good. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: NONE ] [ Edition: first ] Publisher: Time Life, Inc. Pub Date: 6/1/1980 Binding: Hardcover Pages: 176 first edition.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by Wonder Book

Seller: Wonder Book , Frederick, MD, U.S.A.

Association Member: ABAA ILAB

Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.

Condition: Good. Good condition. Good dust jacket. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by ThriftBooks-Atlanta

Petersen, Neal; P. Baldwin, William; Fulcher, Patty

Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta , AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.1.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by ThriftBooks-Dallas

Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas , Dallas, TX, U.S.A.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by ThriftBooks-Atlanta

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.97.

Stock image for Journey of a Hope Merchant: From Apartheid to the Elite World of Solo Yacht Racing for sale by ThriftBooks-Dallas

YACHT RACING RULES AND TACTICS

Gordon R. Aymar

Published by DODD MEAD CO

Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.01.

Stock image for The Racing Yachts (The Seafarers) for sale by HPB-Diamond

A. B. C. Whipple

Seller: HPB-Diamond , Dallas, TX, U.S.A.

hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!.

Stock image for The Racing Yachts for sale by Better World Books

The Racing Yachts

Whipple, A. B., Beecher, Addison

Published by Silver Burdett Press, 1980

Condition: Good. First Printing. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.

Condition: Good. First Printing. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.

Condition: Very Good. First Printing. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.

Stock image for The Racing Yachts for sale by ThriftBooks-Dallas

Whipple, A. B. C.

Published by Time Life Medical, 1980

Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.15.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.15.

Stock image for The Racing Yachts for sale by ThriftBooks-Atlanta

Paul Elvstrom Explains the Yacht Racing Rules 1985 rules

Paul Elvstr2m

Published by John De Graff

ISBN 10: 082860097X / ISBN 13: 9780828600972

Seller: Half Price Books Inc. , Dallas, TX, U.S.A.

Stock image for The Racing Yachts (The Seafarers) for sale by HPB-Emerald

Seller: HPB-Emerald , Dallas, TX, U.S.A.

Seller image for Ansichtskarte Small Yachts Racing off Cowes Parade, Segelbootregatta for sale by Bartko-Reher

Ansichtskarte Small Yachts Racing off Cowes Parade, Segelbootregatta

Publication Date: 1907

Seller: Bartko-Reher , Berlin, Germany

Used Condition: Gebrauchsspuren

From Germany to U.S.A.

Condition: Gebrauchsspuren. ***Ansichtskarte Small Yachts Racing off Cowes Parade, Segelbootregatta*** gelaufen 1907, Ecken besto�en, sonst guter Zustand | Preis: 6.00 EUR | Keine MwSt.-Ausweisung, differenzbesteuert gem.�25a UStG | Versandkosten: Kostenloser Versand | Motive / Thematik > Sport / Olympia / Stadien > Segeln > Segeln.

Stock image for Understand the Yacht Racing Rules through 1992 for sale by Wonder Book

Understand the Yacht Racing Rules through 1992

Perry, Dave

Published by Perigee Trade, 1989

ISBN 10: 0399550046 / ISBN 13: 9780399550041

Used - Softcover Condition: Good

Condition: Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.

Tuning a Racing Yacht

Fletcher, Mike // Ross, Bob

Published by W. W. Norton & Company, New York, 1974

Seller: Acme Books , Alton, NH, U.S.A.

First Edition

Used - Hardcover Condition: Good++

Hardcover. Condition: Good++. Dust Jacket Condition: Good++ Dust Jacket. Photo Illustrated (illustrator). First American Edition. x-library: card pocket removed from rep. 128 pages, b/w photos. Stamp top edge, mid-title page & top of copyright page. otherwise clean interior. Light cornerwear to book. Dust jacket in a mylar cover and glued to inside boards. ISBN#0039331764.

A Pictorial Primer of Yacht Racing Rules & Tactics

Aymar, Gordon C.

Published by Dodd, Mead & Company

Condition: Good. Good condition. Acceptable dust jacket. Dust jacket price clipped. (Yachts, yacht racing).

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Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2024

SKU: USS044

Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules: 2021-2024 Rules

SKU: ACB165

Dave Perry's 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes Through 2024

SKU: USS045

Sailor's Guide to the Racing Rules 2021-2024

SKU: USS043

Rules in Practice 2021-2024

SKU: WIL095

The Laser Campaign Manual

SKU: WIL094

Wind Companion for Racing Sailors

SKU: WIL092

39270: The Official Pictorial Record of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12

SKU: PAR068

Sailing Legends: The story of the world's greatest ocean race

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SKU: WIL083

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IMAGES

  1. Practical Yacht Racing: A handbook on the 1959 Racing Rules, Racing

    yacht racing books

  2. Wind and Tide in Yacht Racing: Book Review

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  3. Boating books review: For love of a classic

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  4. Ocean Racing and Offshore Yachts. NEAR FINE COPY IN UNCLIPPED

    yacht racing books

  5. Yacht Racing

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  6. Successful Yacht Racing

    yacht racing books

VIDEO

  1. Grove Pond Yachts

  2. Racing Yacht "Comanche"

  3. Discover Historic Racing Yachts! #adventuretravel #yachtracing #historic

  4. Sailing Highlights Show, World on Water April 26 24 INEOS AC75, Charleston, Ariki, Luna Rossa, CIC

COMMENTS

  1. Top Picks: The Best Books for Sailboat Racers

    This book abounds with lessons on racing tactics and boat handling, sportsmanship, and is sprinkled liberally with the authors' tales of races won (and lost).

  2. 32 Best Sailing Books For Current and Future Yachtsmen

    Get into racing with this complete guide Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules: 2021-2024 Rules. Written by the Olympic sailor Paul Elvstrom, learn all the ins and outs to win first place. This book has a quick reference guide for racing flags and ways to help plan the best course. 32. Maneuver and Dock Your Sailboat Under Power

  3. 25 sailing books every sailor should read

    7. An Island to Oneself - Tom Neale. New Zealander, Tom Neale travels to Suwarrow, a remote South Pacific atoll, and spends 16 years living alone and off the land. If you've ever fantasized about living on a remote South Pacific Island, this book is for you. 8. Sailing & Mountain Exploration Books - H.W. Tilman.

  4. The Best Sailing Books: 21 Top Picks

    7 - 'The Annapolis Book of Seamanship' by John Rousmaniere. This book, hailed as a "sailing bible" among the sailing community, covers all aspects of seamanship, including navigation, gear maintenance, electronic, pleasure cruising, and heavy-weather sailing. It is straightforward and is a valuable book to keep on board.

  5. Yachting Monthly Book Club: Celebrating the world's best sailing books

    Sailors' Sin Bin: New Yachting Monthly book reveals sailors' secrets. September 13, 2022. A new collection of sailors' brilliantly funny, real-life blunders, will be launched at the 2022 Southampton Boat Show, with the confessions collated from the pages of Yachting Monthly magazine. The….

  6. The History of Yacht Racing in Minnesota: How Its Sailors and Boat

    A book written on Minnesota's history of fast racing yacht development in the late 1800s and early 1900s and up to today. It captures the heritage of the innovative dinghy and scow-type boat builders and Minnesota yacht clubs who initiated the birth of the sport of yacht racing locally and nationally.

  7. The best sailing books & cruising guides of 2021

    Island on the Edge: a life on Soay. Island on the Edge is a good read at a time when very many of us, even living on land, have needed to question our expectations. The author arrives on Soay by fishing boat upon which island she begins a transition to a new life from her earlier life as a graphic designer in London.

  8. Sailboat Racing, Boat Racing, Yacht Racing Books, videos, guides and more

    Racing Crew, 2nd edition. $10.00. SKU: FER048. We stock hundreds of books on boat racing. Sailboat, Yacht, Catamaran, kayak, canoe, and more. Learn pro tips and tricks on how to go faster in the water.

  9. Yacht Racing: A Text Book on the Sport

    This vintage textbook is a complete description of the revised rules of racing as amended and re-adopted by the International Yacht Racing Union conference held in London, November, 1946. With 149 diagrams and detailed explanations, this volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in historical yacht racing, and would make for a ...

  10. Yacht Racing

    A guide for racing yachtsman that is as useful today as when it was first published. Teaching the fundamentals of the start line, beating to windward, rounding a mark, wind abeam, before the wind. This book is a wonderful collection of anecdotes, tactics and case studies.

  11. 5 Favorite Sailing Books to Build Racing Skills

    Maybe one of these stories will stick with you and help you during a race this season. Sailboat Racing with Greg Fisher. A Manual of Sail Trim. Positioning: The Logic of Sailboat Racing. Fast Handling Technique by Frank Bethwaite (2013-02-01) Winning in One-Designs.

  12. The History of Yacht Racing in Minnesota: How Its Sailors and Boat

    As a first-ever written history of its kind, this book looks back at the historical role four Twin Cities lakes, its boat designers and builders, and yacht clubs and local champion sailors played in helping establish the sport of yacht racing in America, and helped advance the sport to where it is today in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the Midwestand United States.

  13. Books for sailors: our pick of the best new releases

    This is the second edition of an important book, and deserves inclusion in our list of books for sailors. Roger Barnes's writing recalls Maurice Griffiths's titles of the 1930s - Magic of the Swatchways and Ten Small Yachts - where the romance of solitude and the challenge of self-reliance took people and their boats to unexpected ...

  14. The Racing Yachts by A.B.C. Whipple

    This volume in The Seafarers series looks at the history and sport of yacht racing, drawing attention to the leading yacht designs, sailboats, and sailors. Genres History Maritime. 176 pages, Hardcover. ... Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read ...

  15. The History of Yacht Racing in Minnesota: How Its Sailors ...

    As a first-ever written history of its kind, this book looks back at the historical role four Twin Cities lakes, its boat designers and builders, and yacht clubs and local champion sailors played in helping establish the sport of yacht racing in America, and helped advance the sport to where it is today in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the Midwestand United States. A book written on Minnesota's ...

  16. Yacht Racing History Collection

    Yacht Racing History A Collection of Historical Sailing Articles on Boat Designs, the America's Cup and the Developments in Yacht Racing. Various. Published by Read Books, 2011. ISBN 10: 1447413997 ISBN 13: 9781447413998

  17. Yacht Racing

    Journey Of A Hope Merchant: From Apartheid To The Elite World Of Solo Yacht Racing by Petersen, Neal and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com.

  18. 35 Best Sailing Books: Adventures, Sailing Stories, and Guides

    A massive storm with 80-knot gusts and enormous waves tore apart the racing yachts killing six sailors and stranding 55 others. The book follows the stories of three of the yachts fighting for survival and showcases how those people of different backgrounds reacted in the face of disaster.

  19. Yacht Racing Rules: A Complete Guide 1989-1992

    Yacht Racing Rules: A Complete Guide 1989-1992 [Pera, Mary] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Yacht Racing Rules: A Complete Guide 1989-1992 ... Books. Select the department you want to search in Search Amazon. EN. Hello, sign in. Account & Lists Returns & Orders. Cart All. Disability Customer Support ...

  20. Sailing Books: Boating Books & Yachting Books

    Some of the best sailing books include: Sailing Around the World by Joshua Slocum. Adrift by Steven Callahan. Wooden Boats by Michael Ruhlman. Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi. Flirting with Mermaids by John Kretschmer. Whether you're looking to learn more on yachting or boating, find a variety of sailing books that will give you the info you need ...

  21. The Best Boat Books and Sailing Novels to Read On Board

    We round up the best boat books and sailing novels to read at sea on a superyacht holiday. Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Martel's fantasy novel tells the story of Piscine Molitor 'Pi' Patel, adrift at sea and sharing a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. In 2012, Life of Pi was adapted into one of the best boat movies. shop now.

  22. Racing Yachts

    Journey Of A Hope Merchant: From Apartheid To The Elite World Of Solo Yacht Racing. Petersen, Neal. Published by University of South Carolina Press, 2004. ISBN 10: 1570035644 / ISBN 13: 9781570035647. Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A. (5-star seller) Contact seller. Used - Hardcover. Condition: Good.

  23. Sailboat Racing, Boat Racing, Yacht Racing Books, videos, guides and more

    We stock hundreds of books on boat racing. Sailboat, Yacht, Catamaran, kayak, canoe, and more. Learn pro tips and tricks on how to go faster in the water.