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Favourite Nautical Books (Part 1)

We asked some of our favourite authors (many of whom have been part of the speaker’s series we used to run with Harbourfront), to tell us about their favourite nautical book.  Here’s what some of them said:

Bob Hale, author, Waggoner Cruising Guide


Master and Commander, Book 1 of the 21 Book Aubrey-Maturin Series
Master and Commander


My favourite nautical book is actually 21 of them, the Aubrey/Maturin series of historical novels by Patrick O’Brian. They cross the line from story-telling to literature. Start with Master and Commander and work your way through them, one volume at a time. The series becomes richer with re-reading. I’m on my fourth or fifth trip through and I’m never bored.



John Rousmaniere, author, After the Storm, Fastnet, Force 10, and The Annapolis Book of Seamanship (among others)


All This, and Sailing Too
All This, and Sailing Too


There’s a special place in my heart for All This and Sailing, Too, the autobiography of the preeminent yacht designer Olin Stephens. In part this is because I was the book’s editor, working closely with Olin over several years.  But largely this is because Olin brings his remarkable life so thoroughly alive. There is much to learn here about boats — and about life, too.



Kathy Parsons, author, Spanish for Cruisers, French for Cruisers


World Cruising Destinations by Jimmy Cornell
World Cruising Destinations


My first thought on opening Jimmy Cornell’s newest book World Cruising Destinations is that it’s BEAUTIFUL. And it is: the photos are gorgeous, and the layout makes it fun to just pick up the book and read … about Croatia, Spain, Cuba, the Falklands, Antarctica, or any other of the 184 sailing destinations that the book covers. World Cruising Destinations gives you the WHOLE world through a boater’s eye, and of course, not just any boater’s eye, but with Jimmy Cornell’s decades of experience. It includes for each destination such information as country profile, map, climate, facilities, formalities, cruising guides, charter operations — and best of all, an understanding of where and how you cruise that area. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to sail or charter anywhere in the world, well now you can find out. It’s indispensable for planning your travels. Highly recommended!

Happy 30th anniversary!

We’ll have more author recommendations next week.
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