Can anyone recommend any non-fiction books with a nautical theme ?
Ive recently read Rob Mundle's Fatal Storm about the '98 Sydney to Hobart, and his follow up, Hell on high seas which tells some great sea survival stories. Both highly recommended. Ive also just struggled through 700 pages about William Bligh and The bounty, which was also very interesting.
Im particularly interested in something easy to read about the first fleet, or to be honest, about anything boating related....
Any other suggestions ?
Cheers,
Craig.
Craig
This is the best book ive ever read
www.amazon.com/Ship-Gold-Deep-Blue-Sea/dp/0871134640
If you read it let me know what you think.
"Saved" by Tony Bullimore and "117 days adrift" by Maurice & Maralyn Bailey for amazing modern survival tales. For historical true test of human endurance and determination, "Wreck of the Sydney Cove" by Max Jefferys. Enjoy!
The last grain race, is a pretty damn good book about square riggers and schooners.. was an enjoyable read but I don't know the author ...
Roger Taylor's 2 books:
Voyages of a simple sailor ,
Ming Ming & the art of minimal ocean sailing
Are fantastic books & very cheap....
available at his website(which is well worth a good look around
www.thesimplesailor.com
A world of my own by Robin Knox-Johnson
and
Gypsy Moth Circles the World by Francis Chichester
I can recommend Jessica Watson's book called "True Spirit". I especially liked reading about the preparation of the boat for the circumnavigation and the lead up to her voyage.
The chapters detailing the actual voyage include her blog entries which she wrote onboard. The book has some great colour photos and links to videos on the net, too.
The last part of the book lists all the equipment and supplies that she took with her. Also, it has a bibliography detailing Jessica's favourite maritime books, and from that list I am about to start Jesse Martin's "Lionheart" book.
Best,
Snapperfish.
I have to agree that Jessica's book was a good read. Her great personality shows through. She had the advantage of technology over her predecessors in that she wrote most of the book whilst at sea. I followed her blog but also followed her exploits via the critical thread of her trip in "Sailing Anarchy forums". It was obvious she did as well as her shore team did too, there are plenty of references in the book to this.
Of the early books by single handers Robin Knox Johnson's is a stand out. Didn't like Francis Chicester's books. Bernard Montessior writes good books as well though his last one got a bit weird.
Just to change the subject slightly I would like to recommend a video, "Deep Water". Its mainly about Donald Crowhurst in the inaugural round the world race but also has interviews and video of the other yachts and competitors. It really shows how yachting has changed dramatically in a very short time.
