The Sailor’s Library
If you’re a sailing enthusiast, you know that there’s nothing quite like the freedom and adventure of hitting the open water. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the sport, there are plenty of great books out there that can help you improve your skills and knowledge. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 books for sailing that cover a range of topics, including cruising, liveaboards, circumnavigating, and boat maintenance.
Title: Sailing For Dummies
Author: J. J. Fetter and Peter Isler
About it: I know it sounds ridiculous, but it actually is a really great book. It talks about all things sail trim, verbiage, docking and so much more. I still pick this book up from time to time to just skim it. It’s great, I highly recommend it. I wish I knew everything in this book.
Title: Heavy Weather Sailing
Author: Martin Thomas and Peter Bruce
About it: Just as the title suggest, it talks about how to handle the boat in heavy weather. As your passages get longer and longer, I recommend checking out this book. We have an older edition, maybe we will pick up the new one.
Title: Self Sufficient Sailor
Author: Lin & Larry Pardey
About it: Lin and Larry Pardey’s book, The Self Sufficient Sailor, is a must-have for anyone interested in cruising. It is an expanded and updated version of their classic bestseller, and the new edition covers the latest in technology and boat systems. This is a great reference book that covers all aspects of sailing, from navigation and seamanship to maintenance and repairs. It is a celebration of living and sailing simply, and contains a wealth of practical advice and inspiring stories.
Title: My Electric Boats
Author: Charles A. Mathys
About it: My Electric Boats: 2nd Edition is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to develop a greater understanding of electric propulsion for boats. Divided into three sections, the book begins with an overview of the author’s successes and failures while researching basic concepts, and then progressively delves deeper into all the technical aspects of electric propulsion. This updated version includes a new Rhodes 19/Etek conversion, plus more performance and efficiency tests, new photos, and four complete step-by-step conversion chapters, which can be easily modified for small or larger vessels. With comprehensive guidance, this book is sure to provide the reader with an excellent understanding of electric propulsion for boats.
Title: Marine Diesel Engines
Author: Nigel Calder
About it: Listen, as much as we don’t want to be diesel engine mechanics, we have to take care of our engines. This book is a comprehensive guide to the design, maintenance, and troubleshooting of diesel engines.
Title: Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual
Author: Nigel Calder
About it: Like the “My Electric Boats” listed above, The Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual is the definitive guide to maintaining and troubleshooting your boat’s systems. This updated edition is packed with diagrams, illustrations, and easy-to-follow instructions to help you get the job done right. With this guide, you can keep your boat running efficiently and safely, no matter where you are.
Title: The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South: The Thornless Path to Windward
Author: Bruce Van Sant
About it: Every single cruising boat in the Caribbean should and does have this on board. A quick poll of fellow cruisers will prove it true. The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South: The Thornless Path to Windward is a comprehensive guide that assists sailboat owners in navigating the waters of the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts of the United States. It covers everything from route planning and safety considerations to equipment and supplies needed for the journey. The guide is packed with helpful advice, tips, and illustrations that make the entire experience easier and more enjoyable. From the novice to the experienced sailor, this book is the perfect companion for anyone looking to explore the beauty and thrill of sailing down the East Coast of the United States and the Caribbean.
Title: World Cruising Routes
Author: Jimmy Cornell
About it: This book is the bible when it comes to route planning. If you’re looking for best times to travel and weather windows, this is THE book. World Cruising Routes is the definitive reference book for long-distance navigators, and is considered the “bible of cruising sailors”. This ninth edition has been fully updated with the latest weather information, as well as 6,000 waypoints to facilitate passage planning. The information contained in the book was gathered from the author’s circumnavigations and voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic. World Cruising Routes is the perfect companion volume to World Voyage Planner and World Cruising Destinations, which provide invaluable planning strategies and advice on long-distance voyaging.
Title: The Old Man and The Sea
Author: Ernest Hemingway
About it: Unlike the rest of the more practical books mentioned here, this is a classic novel by Ernest Hemingway is a story of courage and strength in the face of defeat, following an old Cuban fisherman’s emotional and physical battle with a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. The novella is written with great simplicity and power, emphasizing the theme of personal triumph despite loss.
There you have it – our favorite books for sailing that cover a wide range of topics, from cruising and liveaboards to circumnavigating and boat maintenance. Whether you’re just getting started in sailing or you’re an experienced sailor looking to improve your skills and knowledge, these books are sure to provide valuable insight and guidance. Happy sailing and let us know some of your faves!
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