Ginny’s Christmas list – reviews of books we would have liked, and some we would not

[ad name=”intheboatshed-post”]

Ginny Jones of Martha’s Vineyard has suggested I share her Annual Christmas list – a review of books she’s read this year, and a couple of other items she believes we could all benefit from knowing about. Well, it may be too late for Christmas, but maybe one or two can be found in time for the sailing season and those peaceful times when we’re waiting for the tide.

I should explain that Ginny is a seriously well-seasoned sailor, and through her company Firefox Consulting offers surveying and other services on and around Martha’s Vineyard. Most of the books she lists are likely to be available via www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk or ABE Books.

[ad name=”doubleclick-abe”]

‘My pile of maritime books for review this year contains an eclectic mix of practical and reference titles, books of photographs, cruising tales, maritime history, and some classics from the Golden Age of yachting. The criteria for a place on the pile, and on the list, is that the book must have a narrative which is engaging, with a bit of a spark and humour, it must have lasting interest and it has to have some real value as a source of information. Space on my library shelves is limited, so acquisitions are rigorously vetted and only rarely does the list include a book that I wouldn’t wish to own. Further, it will be a cold day in the Nether Regions before I ever step on a racing sail boat again so there will only be an occasional reference to books about round the world sail boat races and other endurance challenges. Here you will find books that provide pleasure and a different perspective during the winter months to the armchair sailor. And just as a lagniappe I’ve thrown in a few tools that will make the winter boat “to do” list go more smoothly. [A lagniappe is a bonus, such as the 13th bun in a baker’s dozen – ed. ]

On The Wind – The marine photography of Norman Fortier should be on everyone’s must-have list this year, and it will be a wonderful gift for anyone who Continue reading “Ginny’s Christmas list – reviews of books we would have liked, and some we would not”

News from intheboatshed.net

[ad name=”intheboatshed-post”]

Pete Goss to sail to Australia in a newly-built 36ft wooden Mount’s Bay lugger fishing boat. Click here and here

Jon Moore restores Spray replica. Click here

Jack Zuraw restores Chesapeake three-sail bateau. Click here

Tim Clayton and True’s Yard Museum Trust mount effort to restore King’s Lynn fishing boat Baden Powell. Click here

Share this with a friend using the Share this link below.

Snapshots – you CAN turn them off

This weblog includes a tool called Snap Shots – it’s the gizmo that opens little bubbles showing a preview of any link you might be thinking of going to. I like it because it shows me whether a particular link is likely to be of interest.

It’s quite easy to get rid of any unwanted bubble by clicking off the bubble’s area, but I do understand that the bubbles can irritate some people. If you’re one of them, please click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot bubble and opt-out for good!

PS – As of the 10th January 2008, I’ve turned them off, initially as an experiment. Let’s see how many people complain now that they’ve gone!