xmas prezzie suggestions

[srevir]

SWMBO is nagging for ideas of what to buy me for xmas !

Having ruled out a new Open 60 on the grounds that I would probably kill myself and others, my thoughts have turned to books.

Specifically books that describe coastal passages around the UK. Preferably giving some insight into the various locations visited but told as part of a voyage rather than the usual pilotage books ( useful and enjoyable though they are.

So here is the challenge - lets have your favourite reads and maybe a line or two as to why they should find their way into my xmas stocking.

Have fun

 

[Skyva_2]

'Coasting' by Jonathan Raban. Round the UK - he bought a boat and learnt to sail in order to do make the passage. Simply a great read. En route he met Paul Theroux and Philip Larkin.

Another good reason for reading it is that it will take you on to 'Passage to Juneau', 'Old Glory' - down the Mississippi in a 16ft motor boat, etc, etc.

 

[Poignard]

"One Summer's Grace" by Libby Purvis. Describes a circumnavigation of the UK with her family. I'm not a fan of hers [or any chat show presenter] but the book was ok.

"Down Channel" by R.T.MacMullen [a 19th century book]

Also, I'd second the Raban books mentioned above.

 

[MarkGrubb]

Atlantic Britain by Adam Nicolson (also a TV series). A bit different to the usual sailing narritive and very well written.

 

[Abigail]

Two in a boat by Gwyneth Lewis, national poet for Wales. Wales to southern Spain, beautiful, moving and funny

 

[NealB]

What happened to the Corbetts?

This is Neville Shute at his cliched best.

A pre-2nd world war story of a young family from Southampton and how they fare through a German bombing campaign.

Moving, poignant, tragic....plus a great insight into how sailing used to be.

Yes! It's very boaty indeed!

Also, of course, 'Riddle of the Sands', but that really doesn't need recommending does it?

I'd also second the Johnathon Raban and Libby Purves suggestions above.

 

[michael_w]

A man in full by Tom Wolfe; not boaty but a damn good read.

 

[srevir]

Great stuff guys - now all I need is suggestions for a prezzie for SWMBO - wonder if she would like that open 60 after all ????

Have fun

 

[Talbot]

If you really want suggestions about books, why not visit our very own forum book club!

http://www.ybw.com/forums/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/bookclub

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Re: What happened to the Corbetts?

Neville Shute's "Trustee from the Toolroom", His last and I think possibly his best, and that's saying summat.

 

[Dave99]

BOat Care Vouchers /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

D
x

 

[Heigaro]

"The Cruise of the Nona" by Hilaire Belloc. Libby Purves often refers to it and it really is a great book.

It's out of print now but well worth searching for. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif