The following is a list of the boat related books that I keep on the boat with me:

• Aebi, T. (2013). Maiden Voyage. Simon & Schuster. – The memoir of 18-year-old Tania Aebi’s solo circumnavigation of the globe. In this inspirational story, Aebi recounts how she set off with minimal sailing experience in a 26-foot boat and over 2½ years grew into a confident sailor while facing storms, isolation, and personal challenges.
• Aebi, T., & Bernon, B. (2005). I’ve Been Around. Sheridan House. – A collection of autobiographical essays by Tania Aebi (compiled from her sailing magazine columns) reflecting on life after her solo circumnavigation. Rather than a continuous narrative, it offers thoughtful, often entertaining vignettes about her experiences on and off the water in the years following Maiden Voyage.
• Author, J. K. (2010). Cape Horn to Starboard. Burford Books. – (Authored by John Kretschmer.) An adventure chronicle of a voyage from New York to San Francisco via Cape Horn. Kretschmer retraces the old clipper ship route eastward around Cape Horn, sailing a 32′ boat Gigi against prevailing winds; he recounts storms, crew drama, and humorous anecdotes as the crew faces humbling challenges rounding the Horn to windward.
• Bannerot, S., & Bannerot, W. (2004). The Cruiser’s Handbook of Fishing. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. – A comprehensive guide for sailors who fish while cruising. It covers how to find and catch fish from a cruising sailboat (or trawler), then how to safely handle, clean, and cook the catch on board. Drawing on the authors’ decades of cruise-fishing experience, it provides techniques and tips for successful fishing in both tropical and temperate seas.
• Bildner, J. L. (2006). A Visual Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. – An innovative cruising guide to Maine that uses aerial photographs with chart overlays to simplify navigation in the region’s maze of islands and reefs. Over 180 color aerial photos (with hazards marked and course lines drawn) give sailors a “masthead lookout” view for entering harbors and tricky passages along the Maine coast.
• Calder, N. (2015). Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual (4th Ed.). International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. – A widely respected, encyclopedic manual covering virtually every system on a boat. Often called the boatowner’s maintenance “bible,” it explains how to maintain, repair, and improve all things mechanical or electrical on board – from engines and batteries to plumbing and rigging – with clear guidance and troubleshooting tips. (If it has screws, wires, or moving parts on a boat, this book covers it.)
• Calder, N. (2018). Shakedown Cruise: Lessons and Adventures from a Cruising Veteran as He Learns the Ropes. Adlard Coles. – Nigel Calder’s personal memoir of his first big cruise, an 18-month voyage from New Orleans to Venezuela and back undertaken in the 1970s with his young family. Part adventure travelogue and part learning experience, it recounts how Calder built sailing skills by tackling gear failures, groundings, storms, and other “hard-won lessons” during a colorful romp through the Caribbean.
• Casey, D. (1996). Canvaswork and Sail Repair. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. – A how-to manual on marine canvas sewing and sail repairs. Don Casey breaks down the surprisingly few skills needed to do quality canvaswork – from fixing tears in sails to sewing your own boat covers, dodgers, cushions, and awnings. The book provides step-by-step instructions and projects that empower boaters to handle their own canvas needs and save money in the process.
• Casey, D. (2009). This Old Boat (2nd Ed., Completely Revised and Expanded). International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. – A detailed guide to refitting and renovating older fiberglass sailboats. Casey leads do-it-yourself boat owners through every step of restoring an aging production boat to “like new” condition – from assessing what needs work, making a budget and work plan, to specific projects like repairing hull blisters, rewiring systems, re-bedding hardware, refinishing woodwork, and more. It’s packed with practical tips, illustrations, and an upbeat can-do tone for the budget-conscious cruiser.
• Cornell, J. (1998). World Cruising Routes (4th Ed.). Intl. Marine Pub. – Jimmy Cornell’s classic route-planning reference for offshore sailors. This volume catalogs hundreds of sailing routes around the world, with essential planning data for each: typical seasonal weather patterns, prevailing winds and currents, recommended timing for departures, and waypoint suggestions. It’s an all-in-one resource for anyone plotting an extended voyage on any ocean, now in its 4th edition (updated with Cornell’s research and cruisers’ feedback).
• Dodge, S., Dodge, J., & Dodge, J. (2005). Inlet Chartbook to Southeastern United States. White Sound Press. – A piloting guide focused on the coastal inlets from Chesapeake Bay down to Florida. It provides detailed charts and color aerial photos of each inlet (including smaller, uncharted ones) to help mariners safely transit those sometimes tricky entrances. Many inlet charts are based on original hydrographic surveys by the Dodge family, and the guide highlights local knowledge like shoaling areas, approach waypoints, nearby anchorages, and marina locations.
• Evans, A. (2014). Singlehanded Sailing: Thoughts, Tips, Techniques & Tactics. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. – A handbook on the art of sailing alone. Drawing on Andrew Evans’ thousands of hours of solo sailing (and racing) experience, it offers detailed advice on everything a singlehander needs to know: from equipping a boat and managing power for autopilots, to setting sails and spinnakers without help, finding time to sleep in longer passages, and heavy-weather strategies when you have no crew. Both practical and encouraging, it’s often considered a go-to resource for shorthanded and solo sailing.
• Geographic, N. (2017). National Geographic Compact Atlas of the World (2nd Ed.). National Geographic. – A pocket-sized world atlas featuring National Geographic’s high-quality cartography in a portable format. Despite its small size (~4×6 inches), it contains 100 up-to-date, full-color maps covering all regions of the globe, plus a comprehensive index of 11,000 place names. With user-friendly design details (like easy-to-read page numbers and rounded corners), this compact atlas literally “puts the world in the palm of your hand”.
• Gifford, J. M. (2019). Canvas for Cruisers: The Complete Guide. Julie M. Gifford. – A thorough DIY guide to sewing and fabric projects on boats. This book walks cruisers through making or repairing virtually every canvas item they might need – sails, sail covers, biminis, dodgers, awnings, cushions, you name it. Packed with hundreds of illustrations and photos (over 750 diagrams), it explains materials, techniques, and patterns so that even non-experts can produce durable, custom canvas work for their boat. (In short, a one-stop reference for “sewing your boat’s wardrobe,” often touted as the only canvas book a cruiser needs.)
• Groot, J. de. (n.d.). No Shoes Allowed. Emerald Point Publications. – The humorous adventures of Jan de Groot as owner-skipper of a luxury charter yacht in the Caribbean. The author (“Captain Jan”) regales readers with escapades aboard the classic wooden ketch Ring Andersen, where wealthy charter guests and colorful local characters provide endless entertainment. From carefree yacht parties to mishaps at sea, de Groot’s memoir paints a comical picture of the charter boat lifestyle – all under the standing rule aboard that on this varnished teak deck, no shoes are allowed.
• Groot, J. de. (2000). Gone to Come Back. Emerald Point Press. – A follow-up to No Shoes Allowed, offering more lighthearted tales from the Caribbean chartering world. Jan de Groot continues sharing “funny stories about the Caribbean, the characters who live there and those who operate their charter yachts there”. The book picks up with new adventures and misadventures, proving that after going away to sea, there are always more stories to come back and tell. *(Notably, *No Shoes Allowed* became a nautical bestseller, and this sequel carries on in the same witty vein.)*
• Johnson, D. (1994a). Cruising Guide to Maine, Vol. II: Rockport to Eastport. Wescott Cove Publications. – A region-specific cruising guide detailing the central and “Down East” coast of Maine from Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border. It describes harbors and anchorages from Rockport eastward to Eastport, including approach waypoints, hazards to watch for, and shoreside facilities in each port. (Useful chart snippets are included, and local knowledge – like the best shelter in a sou’easter or where to find a lobster roll ashore – is woven into the harbor-by-harbor descriptions.) In short, this guide helps cruising sailors safely explore Maine’s scenic but rock-strewn eastern waters.
• Johnson, D. (1994b). Cruising Guide to Maine, Vol. I: Kittery to Rockland. Westcott Publishing Company. – The companion volume covering the southern Maine coast (Volume I spans from Kittery at the New Hampshire border up to Rockland). It provides cruising boaters with detailed piloting information for harbors in southern Maine and Casco Bay – including marina and anchorage options, navigational challenges (like Portland’s busy harbor or foggy Penobscot Bay approaches), and points of interest ashore. Together with Volume II, it gives full coast coverage, but this first volume focuses on the popular sailing grounds of southern Maine, with chartlets and sailing directions for each locale.
• Jourdane, J. (2016). Modern Weather for Sailors: A Marine Meteorology Primer. Cape Horn Press. – A concise introduction to weather for sailors, written by veteran offshore sailor John Jourdane. Emphasizing that understanding weather is as crucial as good boat-handling, the book breaks down meteorology concepts in sailor-friendly terms. It explains how large-scale weather systems work (pressure systems, fronts, trade winds), how to interpret forecasts and cloud signs, and how to route a voyage for best wind and safety. Essentially, it arms cruisers and racers with the knowledge to make smarter weather decisions at sea.
• Kennedy, L. (2014). Bailey Boat Cat: Adventures of a Feline Afloat. Adlard Coles. – A charming photo book told from the perspective of Bailey, a Siamese cat living aboard a sailboat. Through plenty of cute pictures and “whisker wisdom” quips, Bailey shares his daily life on SV Nocturne: from climbing the rigging and napping in the sun, to surveying port towns through the porthole. It’s a light, cheeky tribute to the joys and quirks of life afloat – from a cat’s-eye view – and has become a favorite among sailing pet lovers.
• Lipe, K. S. (with Dax, C. T.) (1991). The Big Book of Boat Canvas: A Complete Guide to Fabric Work on Boats. Seven Seas Press. – A comprehensive guide to all things canvas and fabric on a boat. This book covers how to make, install, and maintain boat canvas items – including sails and sail repair, but also dodgers, biminis, sail covers, cushions, weather cloths, and more. It offers material selection advice, step-by-step projects, measurement and patterning tips, and even troubleshooting for common canvas problems. Essentially, it’s an all-in-one reference for boatowners looking to do their own canvas work or canvas repairs, written in an accessible style (with contributions by Cynthia Dax on sewing techniques).
• Waterway Guide Media LLC (2020a). Waterway Guide Atlantic ICW 2021. Waterway Guide. – An annually updated cruising guide covering the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. This edition provides mile-by-mile navigation details for the ICW route from Norfolk, Virginia down to Florida. It includes detailed chart snippets and aerial photos of tricky sections, bridge schedules and opening restrictions, marina and fuel stop listings, anchorages, and local knowledge alerts (like shoaling areas or currents) along the ICW. In short, it’s an indispensable planning companion for anyone transiting the ICW.
• Waterway Guide Media LLC (2020b). Waterway Guide Southern 2021. Waterway Guide. – The regional Waterway Guide covering Florida and the Gulf Coast. Updated for 2021, it spans Florida’s East Coast (Jacksonville southward), the St. Johns River, the Okeechobee Waterway across Florida, the Florida Keys, Florida’s West Coast, and onward along the Gulf of Mexico coast to Mississippi. Like other Waterway Guides, it features navigation tips, anchorage and marina listings, bridge info, and charts – essentially a cruising bible for boaters exploring Florida and the U.S. Gulf Coast.
• Waterway Guide Media LLC (2021). Waterway Guide Chesapeake Bay 2021. Waterway Guide. – The annual guide dedicated to Chesapeake Bay and its approaches. It covers the Chesapeake Bay in detail – including Delaware Bay and the Atlantic ICW link around Delmarva (Cape May, NJ down to Norfolk, VA). Cruisers will find piloting guidance for major rivers and ports (from the Susquehanna to Norfolk), annotated chartlets, marina and anchorage directories, and tips on navigating local conditions (like currents in the Bay or the C\&D Canal). It’s designed to help Bay sailors safely enjoy the many towns, creeks, and harbors throughout Chesapeake and Delaware Bays.
• Waterway Guide Media (2021). Waterway Guide 2021 Northern. Waterway Guide. – The Northern volume of the Waterway Guide series, covering the U.S. Northeast coastal waters. This guide provides cruising information from Cape May, NJ all the way north through New England to the Canadian border (Maine). It includes sections on New Jersey and New York Harbor, Long Island Sound, Narragansett and Massachusetts Bay, the New England coast to Downeast Maine, with harbor details, navigation alerts, marina/anchorage listings, and routing advice. (It complements separate Waterway Guides for the Great Lakes.) The Northern guide is the go-to annual reference for boaters cruising the Northeast seaboard.
• mowat, farley. (1981). The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float. McClelland & Stewart. – A comedic sailing memoir by Farley Mowat about his misadventures with a leaky old schooner in Newfoundland. Mowat and a friend purchase a derelict boat (aptly named Happy Adventure) and attempt to sail the wild North Atlantic, only to find the boat has a will of its own when it comes to staying afloat. The book recounts a series of absurd trials – chronic engine failures, constant leaks, encounters with rum-runners and quirky locals – all told with Mowat’s wry humor. It’s essentially “a tale of man against his own boat,” where the stubborn vessel resists floating despite all efforts, making for an entertaining saga of nautical folly.
• Nichols, P. (2002). A Voyage for Madmen. Harper Perennial. – The gripping true story of the 1968–69 Golden Globe Race – the first ever solo non-stop around-the-world sailing competition. Peter Nichols profiles the nine men who set out (each alone) on this unprecedented voyage, and how the challenge pushed them to extremes. The book follows famous entrants like Bernard Moitessier (who abandoned the race to “keep sailing” in the Pacific) and Robin Knox-Johnston (the only finisher), as well as the tragic tale of Donald Crowhurst. It’s a tale of towering waves, loneliness, and the thin line between ambition and madness, truly illustrating why this was “a voyage for madmen.”
• Page, R. (2021). Stay Real, Stay Gone: More transformational tricks and tips to help you downsize your life and escape the rat-race under sail. Independently published. – A follow-up to Get Real, Get Gone, this guide continues Rick Page’s advice on transitioning to a cruising life. It provides practical “tricks and tips” for simplifying and downsizing – from shedding material possessions and cutting expenses, to adjusting mindsets – all with the aim of achieving freedom to live aboard and sail the world. Written in a candid, motivating style, the book addresses both the logistics and the psychology of leaving the rat race, so that aspiring cruisers can not only get gone but stay gone (i.e. sustain the voyaging lifestyle long-term).
• Pardey, L. (1992). Cruising in Seraffyn. Sheridan House. – Lin and Larry Pardey’s first cruising narrative, chronicling their early 1970s voyage on board Seraffyn, the 24-foot wooden cutter they built themselves. It’s an engaging tale of a young couple sailing on a shoestring: from California down into the Sea of Cortez, through the Panama Canal, across the Atlantic to Europe. Alongside the colorful cruising stories (meeting locals, making landfalls in the Azores and England, etc.), the book shares how they managed life aboard a tiny engineless boat – emphasizing simplicity, frugality, and the joy of a freedom-filled life afloat.
• Pardey, L. (2011). Bull Canyon: A Boatbuilder, a Writer and Other Wildlife. Paradise Cay Publications. – In this memoir, Lin Pardey steps away from the sea to recount four years spent inland in Bull Canyon, California. It’s the story of how she and Larry settled in a remote canyon to build their second boat (Taleisin) from scratch, living in a stone house with no electricity while boatbuilding by day and writing by kerosene lamp at night. Lin describes the “wildlife” they encountered – from mountain lions and rattlesnakes to offbeat human neighbors – and the challenges of adapting to rural life. Bull Canyon offers an intimate look at a unique chapter in the Pardeys’ life, blending self-sufficiency, partnership, and determination as they pursue a sailing dream far from the water.
• Pardey, L., & Pardey, L. (2024). Passages: Cape Horn and Beyond – Sailing through life’s changing currents. Paradise Cay Publications. – A later collection of Lin Pardey’s true-life sailing stories and reflections, centering on the Pardeys’ experiences after decades afloat. In particular, Lin recounts their ambitious passage rounding Cape Horn (sailing Taleisin through the Southern Ocean) and other far-flung adventures, pouring her heart into tales of both gales and calms. Woven throughout are candid insights about navigating the “changing currents” of life – from aging and health scares to shifting goals – all framed by the dramatic backdrop of bluewater voyaging. It’s an inspiring, poignant read for sailors of any generation.
• Pardey, L., & Pardey, L. (2011). Seraffyn’s Mediterranean Adventure (30th Anniversary Ed.). Paradise Cay Publications. – The Pardeys’ account of exploring the Mediterranean in the mid-1970s aboard their tiny cutter Seraffyn. This book (originally published in the 1980s, now in a 30th-anniversary edition) details their leisurely cruise through the Med’s historic ports and islands – from Spain and Italy to Greece and beyond. They share charming stories of Mediterranean life: cheap winter berths in France, Mediterranean weather quirks, the friendships with locals and fellow sailors, and how they managed with minimal gear. Part travelogue and part practical guide, it also offers tips for Med moorings, language, and enjoying Europe on a budget. (A vicarious summer-in-the-Med for readers, guided by the ever-resourceful Lin and Larry.)
• Pardey, L., & Pardey, L. (2016). Taleisin’s Tales: Sailing Towards the Southern Cross. L\&L Pardey Publications. – A collection of stories from Lin and Larry Pardey’s voyages in the South Pacific aboard their second boat Taleisin. Picking up where the Seraffyn tales left off, this book follows the Pardeys as they “sail towards the Southern Cross,” exploring idyllic Pacific isles. It recounts adventures like navigating through coral atolls, handling South Pacific storms, and visiting remote communities from the Marquesas to New Zealand. Throughout, Lin’s narratives convey the wonder of South Seas cruising as well as the seamanship techniques and self-reliance that allowed the Pardeys to voyage engineless in these far-flung waters. (It’s an ode to the South Pacific, told by a couple who sailed it deeply and slowly.)
• Pardey, L., & Pardey, L. (1999). The Cost Conscious Cruiser. Paradise Cay Publications. – A guide to cruising economically, based on the Pardeys’ philosophy that sailing adventures need not require great wealth. This book is filled with money-saving ideas for long-term cruising: choosing a boat that’s affordable to maintain, adopting a minimalist approach to gear, learning DIY maintenance, and clever tricks to cut costs on provisions, anchoring (vs. marinas), etc. The Pardeys illustrate their points with examples from their own voyages – showing how they cruised for years on a small budget. The Cost Conscious Cruiser essentially empowers readers with a blueprint to pursue the cruising dream without breaking the bank.
• Parsons, K. (2004). French For Cruisers: The Boater’s Complete Language Guide for French Waters. Aventuras Publishing Co. – A specialized phrasebook and language guide aimed at English-speaking boaters cruising in French-speaking areas (France, French Polynesia, Caribbean isles, etc.). It provides boating and marine vocabulary in French – covering terms needed at ports, marinas, boatyards, chandleries, customs offices, and markets. For example, how to request fuel or repairs, converse on the VHF, or buy fresh baguettes and produce at the village market, all in French. Pronunciation help and handy phrases are included, along with cultural tips (so you can confidently say “bonjour” to the harbormaster and navigate the nuances of courtesy in French waters). In sum, a complete language survival guide for cruisers in French-speaking locales.
• Potts, R., & Ferriss, T. (2003). Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. Villard Books. – A manifesto and how-to guide encouraging readers to embark on long-term travel as a lifestyle. Rolf Potts dispels the notion that extended world travel is only for the rich or idle – instead, he offers practical advice on how to take time out from your normal life (be it six weeks or two years) to travel independently. The book covers tips on saving money, packing light, working or volunteering abroad, and dealing with the challenges and growth that come from living on the road. Ultimately, Vagabonding is about mindset: valuing experiences over possessions and embracing the freedom of the open road (or sea) as a form of personal enrichment.
• Rand, J. (2020). Sailing Into Oblivion: The Solo Non-stop Voyage of the Mighty Sparrow. Independently published. – The true story of Jerome Rand’s 2017–2018 solo, non-stop circumnavigation on his 32-foot sailboat Mighty Sparrow. Rand recounts spending 271 days alone at sea, sailing out of sight of land as he looped the globe. The book details the practical challenges (rationing food and water, maintaining gear, braving Southern Ocean storms) as well as the mental journey of solitude and self-reliance. From knockdowns and towering waves to serene nights under stars, Rand’s narrative puts readers in the cockpit for a modern-day solo circumnavigation and illustrates the resilience and determination such an odyssey requires.
• Robertson, M. (2016). Selling Your Writing to the Boating Magazines. Force Four Publications. – A niche guide for freelance writers (or cruisers with a pen) aiming to be published in boating magazines. Michael Robertson – a sailing writer and editor – demystifies the process of pitching and selling articles to magazines like Cruising World, Sail, etc. The book covers how to target the right publications, craft query letters, and tailor story angles for a boating audience. It also gives tips on writing compelling marine nonfiction, from travelogues and how-to pieces to gear reviews. In essence, it’s part writing handbook, part insider’s guide to the boating magazine market, designed to help writers turn their seafaring knowledge and experiences into paid published articles.
• Schultz, K. (2004). Ken Schultz’s Field Guide to Saltwater Fish. Trade Paper Press. – A handy field guide for anglers and nature enthusiasts, focusing on saltwater fish species. Compiled by veteran angler Ken Schultz, it features a wide array of saltwater fish found in North American and tropical waters. Each entry typically includes a color illustration or photo, the fish’s identifying features, range and habitat, and notes on size, game qualities, and even table fare. Designed to be portable, this guide lets you quickly identify that fish you just caught (or spotted) – whether it’s a snook, mahi-mahi, bluefish, or shark – and learn a bit about it. It’s both a fishing companion and an educational reference for coastal exploration.
• Shearlock, C. (2018). Storing Food Without Refrigeration. Blue River Press. – A guide full of techniques to keep food fresh when you have no fridge – ideal for cruising boats, RVs, camping, or off-grid living. Carolyn Shearlock explains how to preserve fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats without relying on refrigeration. Topics include using cool lockers, pickling, dehydrating, canning, and clever storage hacks (like how to keep greens crisp or eggs unspoiled). She draws on extensive liveaboard experience, offering tips to prevent spoilage in tropical heat and extending the life of provisions. This book helps voyagers (or anyone) confidently provision and eat well with nothing more than a cool pantry or ice box.
• Shearlock, C., & Irons, J. (2013). The Boat Galley Cookbook: 800 Everyday Recipes and Essential Tips for Cooking Aboard. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. – A large compendium of 800 recipes tailored for the constraints of a boat galley – limited space, equipment, and ingredients. Carolyn Shearlock and Jan Irons present simple, tasty recipes that can be made with pantry staples and without fancy appliances, covering everything from one-pot meals to baking bread on board. Beyond recipes, it’s packed with tips for provisioning, food substitution (for when you’re far from supermarkets), and techniques for cooking underway or at anchor. Whether you have a two-burner stove and no oven, or a full galley, this cookbook helps you eat well every day at sea.
• Shearlock, C., & Webber, L. (2023). The Boat Galley ICW Quick Reference Cruising Guide. The Boat Galley, LLC. – A laminated quick-reference guide for boaters traveling the Intracoastal Waterway, produced by the team behind The Boat Galley. In a concise format, it distills key info needed for an ICW cruise: bridge opening schedules, restricted passages and their mile markers, tide and current considerations at notorious spots, phone numbers for locks and services, and perhaps local knowledge tips for popular anchorages or problem shoals. Meant to be cockpit-friendly, this guide allows cruisers to quickly look up the next few bridges or a marina phone number without thumbing through a thick book – a handy cheat-sheet to supplement the official Waterway Guides and charts for the Atlantic ICW route.
• Steenland, S. (2022). Luff Out Loud: Sailing Comics (S. Wright, Ed.). SisterShip Press. – A light-hearted collection of sailing-themed comics and cartoons. Illustrated by Sally Steenland (and edited by Sarah Wright), these single-panel and short strip comics poke fun at all aspects of sailing life – from the absurdities of docking, to cruising couples’ quirks, to the never-ending boat projects that sailors know too well. The title is a pun on the sailing term “luff” (and the phrase “laugh out loud”), and indeed readers are meant to laugh out loud at the relatable humor. It’s the kind of book sailors might keep on board to brighten a rainy day, as it lovingly satirizes the joys and frustrations of messing about in boats.
• Stroud, C. (2017). Solo Coastal Sailing: Upgrade your sailing skills to enable single-handed coastal or short off-shore passages. – A self-study guide by Colin Stroud for sailors who want to cruise alone on coastal hops or short offshore journeys. It focuses on the practical skills and preparations needed to single-hand safely. Topics include choosing and rigging a boat for one-person operation (autopilots, line handling aids, deck layout), passage planning and navigation for a solo skipper, sleep management on overnight trips, and emergency procedures when alone. Human factors are addressed too – like overcoming stress or fatigue when you’re the only one on watch. By following this guide, a crewed-coastal sailor can “upgrade” their abilities and confidence to venture out single-handed, while minimizing risk.
• Trammell, P. (2018). Journey to the Ragged Islands: Sailing Solo Through The Bahamas. Independently published. – A sailing adventure memoir about a solo cruise through one of the more remote parts of the Bahamas. Paul Trammell narrates his voyage to the Ragged Islands (a sparsely populated chain at the southern edge of the Bahamas), giving a day-by-day account of crystal-clear anchorages, fishing and free-diving for dinner, and the solitude and self-reliance of singlehanded sailing. He also describes the challenges of navigating shallow coral-strewn waters and the ever-present trade winds. The book immerses readers in the simple rhythms of tropical cruising life – with vibrant descriptions of uninhabited cays, wildlife encounters, and the inner journey of a solo sailor exploring off the beaten path.
• Trammell, P. (2020). Chasing the Nomadic Dream. Independently published. – In this reflective travelogue, Paul Trammell explores the broader idea of living a nomadic life at sea. Using experiences from his various voyages, he discusses the allure of freedom and discovery that comes with not having a fixed home. The narrative spans multiple sailing adventures – perhaps touching on voyages to Central America, the Eastern Caribbean, or Atlantic crossings – all while examining what it means to embrace uncertainty and adventure as a lifestyle. Trammell shares the ups (spectacular landfalls, personal growth) and downs (financial concerns, storms, loneliness) of chasing the “nomadic dream,” offering an honest look at both the romantic and the realistic sides of long-term cruising.
• Trammell, P. (2024). Sailing to Newfoundland: A Solo Exploration of the South Coast Fjords. Independently published. – A first-person account of a challenging solo voyage from the U.S. East Coast to the wild south coast of Newfoundland. Trammell sails northward and spends time exploring Newfoundland’s dramatic fjords and outport villages alone on his boat. He describes towering cliffs plunging into the North Atlantic, icebergs and cold mists, and the sense of awe and isolation in these high-latitude waters. Navigating fog, gales, and rocky anchorages tests his skills, but also rewards him with pristine landscapes and reflections on solitude. This book invites readers into a less-traveled cruising ground, sharing both the external adventure and the inner satisfaction of venturing beyond one’s comfort zone.
• Waterway Guide – Florida Keys. (2021). Waterway Guide. – A specialized cruising guide focused on the Florida Keys region. It provides boaters with detailed navigation and sightseeing information from Biscayne Bay and Key Largo all the way down the Keys (Marathon, Key West) and out to the Dry Tortugas. Included are aerial photos and chart excerpts of channels and passes, mile-by-mile listings of marinas, fuel docks, anchorages, bridge clearances, and local regulations specific to the Keys. Whether you’re looking for the nearest snorkel reef mooring or the next tiki bar with dockage, the Waterway Guide Florida Keys offers an up-to-date, one-stop reference to cruising this unique island chain. (Like other Waterway Guides, it’s updated regularly to serve as the cruiser’s trusty companion through the mangroves and coral heads of the Keys.)
• Wilkinson, A. (2007). The Happiest Man in the World: An Account of the Life of Poppa Neutrino. Random House. – A biography of the vagabond adventurer known as Poppa Neutrino (real name David Pearlman), whose life was as unconventional as it gets. Poppa Neutrino was famous for cobbling together a raft from scrap materials and sailing it across the Atlantic, among many other free-spirited exploits. In this book, journalist Alec Wilkinson delves into Neutrino’s life story – from a youth spent roaming and hustling, to forming a floating “family” band, building junk rafts in Mexico, and improbably crossing oceans on homemade vessels. It’s a fascinating portrait of a man who rejected society’s rules in search of absolute freedom and joy. Wilkinson not only recounts Neutrino’s outrageous adventures (and near-misses at sea), but also examines the philosophy that made him perhaps “the happiest man in the world.”