Nautical Book News

This summer has seen the release of multiple new
and interesting nautical books.  They come in both
fiction and non fiction, cover periods from the 1800's
to recent races. 

The book that has the most recent subject is
Fatal Storm : The Inside Story of the Tragic Sydney-Hobart Race

written by Australian journalist Rob Mundle.   By all accounts this
is the best account of the 1999 Sydney to Hobart race.  This is
to be expected as Mundle is a top journalist with years of
experience writing abut Australian sailing.

Godforsaken Sea: Racing the World's Most Dangerous Waters is an account of
the 1996-97 Vendee Globe singlehanded around the world race.  The author is
Derek Lundy. 

Another book that contains recent experiences is by John Kretschmer titled
Flirting With Mermaids : The Unpredictable Life of a Sailboat Delivery Skipper

Mr. Kretschmer's writing is often featured in Sailing Magazine.  This book is an account of
the author's globe trotting career as a delivery skipper. 

Another globe girding sailor who put pen to paper was Charles Tyng.  Mr. Tyng was
a sailing ship captain in the early 1800's.  Captain Tyng's book is:
Before the Wind: The Memoir of an American Sea Captain, 1808-1833.
For those who feel that they would be at home when all ships were of the
sail variety Before the Wind should be a good read.

All the above books are non fiction.  Just released in the nautical fiction
area is the 4th book by American author James L. Nelson.  Mr. Nelson
originally intended a trilogy of novels on the American Revolution's naval
aspects.  However, the first three books have been well received so he has
now gone on with a 4th novel Lords of the Ocean. 

If you are both a sailor and a reader you can purchase any of these books
via the above links.  These links take you to the Torresen Marine bookstore
which we operate in conjunction with noted Internet merchant Amazon.com.

Also, keep an eye on both Sailing Daily and Around the World of Sailing as
Torresen Sailing Site plans to bring you reviews of all the books discussed
here.