Moitessier was a competitor in the 1968 Golden Globe Race, a solo, non-stop circumnavigation. For months, Moitessier battled storms, doldrums, rig failures, knockdowns, and fatigue. Once he was approaching the finish, he pulled out of the race and kept sailing for another three months, ending his over 37,000-mile voyage in Tahiti. This is a classic sailing story from a pioneer that belongs in every sailor\u2019s library.<\/p>\n
Sailing Alone Around the World \u2013 Joshua Slocum<\/strong> Alone Through the Roaring Forties \u2013 Vito Dumas<\/strong> Sailing into Oblivion \u2013 Jerome Rand<\/strong> Cape Horn to Starboard \u2013 John Kretschmer<\/strong> Sailing to the Edge of Time \u2013 John Kretschmer<\/strong> Imperfect Passage \u2013 Michael Cosgrove<\/strong> In The Heart of the Sea \u2013 Nathaniel Philbrick<\/strong> At the Mercy of the Sea \u2013 John Kretschmer<\/strong> Handling Storms at Sea \u2013 Hal Roth<\/strong> Sailing a Serious Ocean \u2013 John Kretschmer<\/strong> Flirting with Mermaids \u2013 John Kretschmer<\/strong> Chasing the Nomadic Dream \u2013 Paul Trammell<\/strong> Cruising for Cowards \u2013 Liza Copeland<\/strong> How to Sail Around the World \u2013 Hal Roth<\/strong> Wiley Nautical Sail and Rig Tuning \u2013 Ivar Dedekam<\/strong> Yacht Design According to Perry \u2013 Robert H. Perry<\/strong> Whether you\u2019re dreaming of a solo circumnavigation, preparing for your own offshore adventure, or just love a good story, these books capture the magic, challenges, and wisdom of life on the water. From harrowing survival tales to practical seamanship guides, each book offers something valuable\u2014whether it\u2019s inspiration, knowledge, or just the thrill of the open ocean during a cold winter day.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to start your sailing dream, reach out today so I can help you get started today!<\/p>\n
Another sailing pioneer, Joshua Slocum was the first person to sail around the world single-handed aboard his sloop Spray <\/em>in the late 1800s, taking him over three years! His gripping memoir details encounters with pirates off Gibraltar, storms around Cape Horn, rogue waves off Patagonia, coral reefs, and more! If you\u2019re looking for a jaw-dropping book about an epic adventure, this book is for you.<\/p>\n
Vito Dumas took on one of the most dangerous sailing routes, battling the Southern Ocean in his 31\u2019 wooden ketch. His determination and resilience through severe infections nearly forcing him to amputate his arm, scurvy, severe storms, and more challenges shine in this tale of grit and survival.<\/p>\n
A modern-day story of solo sailing, Sailing into Oblivion<\/em> follows Jerome Rand\u2019s incredible nonstop circumnavigation aboard his Westsail 32 Mighty Sparrow<\/em>. His experience is raw, emotional, and filled with valuable lessons about self-reliance as he battles storms, lack of food and water, and other challenges. His book features many entries from his logbook that give a unique insight into the mind of a solo sailor after nearly a year alone at sea, helping paint an incredible story that cements him as modern-day sailing legend.<\/p>\nOcean Voyages and Survival at Sea<\/h3>\n
John Kretschmer needs no introduction. A great sailor and author, Kretschmer seems to have endless stories and knowledge about sailing. Cape Horn to Starboard<\/em> tells the story of a young John Kretschmer who retraced the Clipper Ships\u2019 route and doubled Cape Horn the wrong direction with his friend Ty aboard his Contessa 32, Gigi<\/em>. This story combines adventure and struggle that will make you feel a deep appreciation for the raw power of the ocean.<\/p>\n
Another John Kretschmer classic, this book shares John\u2019s lessons learned from decades sailing around the world. Offering a more philosophical take on sailing, this book is great for offering insight for both seasoned sailors, dreamers, and those who want to take a deeper dive into the philosophical side of sailing.<\/p>\n
A reluctant adventurer, Michael Cosgrove set sail at sixty to escape a midlife crisis\u2014only to find himself facing life-threatening situations, and the reality of sailing. His honest and even humorous story does a great job of representing the highs and lows of offshore sailing. This book is great for sailors beginning their adventure, as it represents sailing from a beginner\u2019s point of view as he\u2019s learning.<\/p>\n
This is the true story of the whaleship Essex<\/em>, which was attacked by a whale and left its crew stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This is perhaps one of my favorite books I have ever read and always one that I go back to whenever I can. This historical account of survival, starvation, and desperation inspired Moby-Dick<\/em> and will leave you in awe.<\/p>\n
A<\/em> At the Mercy of the Sea<\/em> is a heartbreaking yet gripping true story of three sailors caught in the path of Hurricane Lenny in 1999, later named \u201cWrong Way Lenny.\u201d Kretschmer once again writes a masterful narrative about the unpredictable power of the sea.<\/p>\nStorms, Heavy Weather & Seamanship<\/h3>\n
Another great sailor and writer, Hal Roth wrote many books throughout his lifetime. This book is a practical and detailed guide to surviving extreme weather events at sea. Roth explores storm tactics, equipment, and real-life accounts from sailors who faced nature\u2019s worst. Handling Storms at Sea<\/em> belongs in every sailor\u2019s library as it\u2019s an invaluable asset for staying safe while offshore.<\/p>\n
Sailing a Serious Ocean<\/em> is equal parts practical advice and thrilling storytelling. This book covers what it takes to sail offshore. Kretschmer\u2019s personal experiences bring to life the challenges and rewards of offshore sailing while using his real-world experience to weigh the pros and cons of different equipment, hull shapes, rig types, etc.<\/p>\nCruising & The Liveaboard Lifestyle<\/h3>\n
Flirting with Mermaids<\/em> is a humorous and heartfelt collection of stories from Kretschmer\u2019s years as a yacht delivery captain, sailing a number of different boats of all shapes, sizes, and conditions to exotic locations while encountering unforgettable characters along the way. This book will have you laughing and wishing you were there on the boats with him.<\/p>\n
Paul Trammell writes about leaving Massachusetts on his sailboat Windflower<\/em> and making his way south to get out of the cold weather. Trammell is a very good writer and leaves out few details, giving you a good grasp of the highs, lows, and challenges a solo sailor goes through. He shares lessons learned, GPS locations of anchorages, and also a few poems and pictures to enhance your reading experience.<\/p>\n
Cruising for Cowards<\/em> is a must-read for any new sailor. It is a lighthearted yet highly informative book filled with tons of tips and advice for making cruising easier and more enjoyable.<\/p>\nPractical Guides & Sailing Instruction<\/h3>\n
Another great Hal Roth book, How to Sail Around the World<\/em>, is a step-by-step guide to preparing for a world voyage. Roth covers everything from choosing the right boat, provisioning properly, navigation, heavy weather tactics, and more.<\/p>\n
I can accredit a lot of my sailing skills to this book. A small, colorful book with many pictures makes it easy for sailors to understand and optimize their rigging and sail trim.<\/p>\n
Bob Perry needs no introduction. His book offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a designer who understands both boats and the people who sail them.<\/p>\n
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