Set Sail with the Season's Must-Read Sailing Books!

Sailing isn’t just about navigating waves; it’s about diving into the narratives that the sea beholds. This season, we’ve set our sights on the latest releases that will put wind in your literary sails and anchor your attention from the first page. Katy Stickland has meticulously chosen some captivating reads that will infuse your journey with inspiration and adventure.

1. Charting New Waters: The Last Voyage of Asteria

Tapio Lehtinen takes you on an absorbing maritime journey with “The Last Voyage of Asteria.” As you delve into the poetic and philosophical narrative, you’ll find yourself aboard the vessel, experiencing the Golden Globe Race of 2022. The perils and near misses, alongside the lessons of seamanship and the elegance of celestial navigation, make this a page-turner that delivers until the very last line. According to Practical Boat Owner, every sail enthusiast needs this in their collection.

2. Navigating Classics: West Country Cruising Companion

Mark Fishwick’s newly updated edition, curated by Kate Brodie, offers an in-depth passage planning resource for the West Country’s waters. With a lifetime on the seas from Portland Bill to the Isles of Scilly, Fishwick’s knowledge is indispensable for any sailor basing their operations in the south west. Utilize its comprehensive port guide, enhanced by new QR code links, to navigate harbours with ease.

3. Tying Up Practical Knowledge: The Knot Bible

Release your sailing prowess with Nic Compton’s “The Knot Bible”. This guide demystifies the art of knots, offering beginners and seasoned sailors alike a vibrant toolkit with instructive visuals. Its clarity makes knot-tying accessible, transforming ropes into reliable allies.

4. Shedding Light on the Shadows: The Untold Voyage

In Roger D. Taylor’s “The Untold Voyage,” witness a narrative that intertwines suspense with seamless storytelling, as it explores a haunting incident in the Arctic seas. The mysterious discovery of an unconscious woman floating in a liferaft provides fearlessly compelling reading.

5. Celebrating Pioneers: Stars to Steer By

Sail into the chronicles of extraordinary women with Julia Jones’ “Stars to Steer By.” This enlightening tribute reveals the courageous narratives of female sailors from the 20th century, highlighting underreported triumphs in the face of gender barriers.

6. Sailing into the Future: Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible

John C Payne’s fourth edition invites you into the heart of marine electrics. Essential for conscientious sailors, its guide spans from small troubleshooting to modern technologies like electric propulsion and marine diesel systems, ensuring you navigate modern waters confidently.

7. Beyond Boundaries: In My Element by Pip Hare

Unlock tales of perseverance and triumph with Pip Hare’s “In My Element”. Her poignant yet invigorating account of the 2020 Vendée Globe breaks barriers with brutal honesty about racing challenges, ultimately steering to an inspiring finish line victory.

These compelling titles promise to envelop you in the timeless spirit of sailing. Each narrative tells a unique tale of the sea, combining the wisdom of the ancients with modern adventures. Settle into your favorite reading spot, let the waves of words guide you, and embark on a journey you’ll treasure long after you’ve left the pages.