By Chrystal Young
Remember reading?
Are you a fan? Did you always keep a real book in your backpack?
Having your nose in a book is one of the best ways to avoid eye contact with the crazies on public transport – I discovered this on the city bus. I was that nerd. Back when it wasn’t cool to be a nerd. Oh, it’s still not cool? I wouldn’t know – I was busy reading.
These days, attention spans are shorter than ever. People are dropping vowels like they’re extra baggage fees. Just consonants now. Txt me, pls.
Now, I’ll confess – when I travel, I rely on Kindle. I’ve even used Audible in a pinch. But there is nothing – absolutely nothing – that replaces the feeling of a real book in your hands. The smell of the paper, the sound of flipping pages, the triumph of ignoring flight attendant announcements while clutching your literary treasure. Bonus points if you carry a hardcover.
On a boat, you might not be blessed (or cursed) with Wi-Fi to stream your favorite sailing YouTubers. Long passages require downloads … and batteries. But when those batteries die? The book comes to your rescue.
Besides, if you’re on watch, you need to be alert. Reading a physical book lets you stay somewhat present – eyes down, ears up. No excuses.
So what makes a great sailing book?
Let’s be honest: a lot of people who cross oceans, survive squalls, or sail around the world think, “I should write a book!” That doesn’t mean they should.
A great sailing book needs:
- Passion
- Vivid imagery
- Character development
(Spoiler: you can’t be the only character.)
Self-publishing has opened the floodgates, and that’s wonderful, but let’s keep our standards. I once received a self-published sailing memoir from a friend (she hadn’t read it, by the way – she just met the author at a retirement community in Arizona). He kept a stack in his oversized RV. Of course.
Halfway through, I threw it across the room. The author mentioned – again – how popular he was with “the ladies.” I might have stomached it if he actually had game. But no. He bragged about picking the “hot chick” over the “qualified sailor” to crew from San Francisco to Baja. Ew. Gross. Hard pass.
Then there’s the guy who wrote, “We had a good time,” about a woman he met in a bar. That’s it. No details. No story. Just… “good time.” Paint the picture, people! I wasn’t there! I don’t need a romance novel, but give me something. A spirited game of dominoes? A salty sunset kiss? Anything?
So, smarty pants – who are your favorite sailing authors?
Thanks for asking. Here are a few of my favorites, because I have opinions:
The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier
This one sat on my shelf for a while. A friend gifted it to me and kept asking, “Have you read it yet?” I finally caved.
Let’s be honest – Moitessier was a bit of a weirdo. In the middle of winning the 1968 Golden Globe Race, he kept sailing. Just bypassed the finish line and headed for Tahiti. Said he was doing it to “save his soul.” Can’t argue with that. I went to England in February, and I went to Tahiti. I get it.
Did he abandon his family? Yes. But I guess… soul-saving. The point is, his passion for life and sailing pours off the page. I could not put it down. Flashlight-under-the-covers level obsession. That’s how I want to rate books now: 5 flashlights.
Sailing a Serious Ocean & Offshore Sail Training by John Kretschmer
Kretschmer’s job? Scaring people – just enough – into taking sailing seriously.He runs offshore training passages that book out years in advance. His writing? Grounded, honest, descriptive. He admits when he’s wrong. He doesn’t just say, “It was windy.” He tells you how it felt, what it looked like, and who else was there. He brings the ocean to you.
One Girl, One Dream by Laura Dekker
At 14, she sailed around the world alone.
As a mom, I was horrified at first. How could her parents allow this?! Then I watched the documentary. Then I read the book. Then I watched the documentary again. Then I stalked her online. (Sorry, Laura.)
Conclusion: of course she sailed around the world solo. That’s just who she is. Her book is raw, honest, and filled with youthful wisdom. And she’s still sailing – waving to the paparazzi as she disappears over the horizon. I love her.
Chasing the Horizon by Cap’n Fatty Goodlander
This man gets me.
His humor is twisted, his stories wild, and his writing makes me snort-laugh. He’s faced storms and survived shady boatyards… and lived to tell the tale with a wink. He writes short stories too, which is perfect for my gnat-level attention span. And yes—he includes cartoons.
Thank you, Fatty. If that is your real name.
That’s a good start. Get through these and I’ve got more up my sleeve.
Books will always be there – when the batteries die, when the wind picks up, when the anchor finally sets and it’s time to unwind. Don’t just sail the ocean – read it.
See you on the water, kids.
