Skip Novak on Sailing: Words of Wisdom from 50 Years Afloat

Skip Novak is revered around the world for his sailing adventures. In this book he brings together the sum of his knowledge and the wisdom of his experience so you can follow in his wake – or create your own. Drawing from his longstanding column for Yachting World, Skip has curated, edited and updated his original missives alongside brand new material to make a collection that is both thought-provokingly bold and invaluably practical. Skip is an ardent proponent of self-reliance, and his hard-won advice will challenge you to improve your seamanship, focusing on skill, experience and problem-solving knowledge. While covering lots of traditional skills, such as celestial navigation, anchoring and docking, Skip also looks to the future, tackling innovative technologies that can make life afloat easier. Skip has a particular interest in helping new and younger sailors heed the clarion call of adventure he truly believes the ocean provides, and this interest shines through in his thoughtful guidance. Steeped in personal experience, but designed to be as inspirational as it is practical, Skip Novak on Sailing will help you become a better sailor, no matter your level of experience.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston Introduction Skip’s first column 1. Learning to Sail 2. Ocean Racing 3. Design and Maintenance 4. Technology – Pros and Cons 5. Safety at Sea 6. Expedition Sailing and Cruising 7. Stories from Back in the Day Skip’s final column Epilogue

About the Author :
Chicago-born, Europe-based, but often to be found exploring the Antarctic, Skip Novak has long inspired sailors all over the world with his thirst for adventure. He has competed in most major yacht races, including the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, the Sydney-Hobart Race and the Fastnet Race. He has written for Yachting World and the Daily Telegraph and is also the author of One Watch at a Time and Fazisi – The Joint Venture, shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

Review :
Skip Novak takes us to the high seas providing technical wisdom, wonderful adventure stories, appreciation of nature and a philosophical narrative about the special joys of visiting remote regions. Novak’s writing is easy to read and his prose makes you feel like you are on board with him on his voyages. This extraordinary collection of articles is an important treasure for every sailor’s library. In all of maritime history, there is no one like Skip Novak. Skip’s writing is like the man: disarmingly modest, wryly funny; written from an unrivalled empirical knowledge not only of the sea and sailing, but also of the literature of the sea. Stories you might have heard if you’d been lucky enough to meet Captain Cook in a pub. You won't put this book down! Skip Novak is the ultimate sailing adventurer – a modern day Magellan, an Obi-Wan Kenobi/Dumbledore-like character whose opinions, wisdom and insights will glow like flaming coals in the imagination of any sailor. Perusing this compendium is like being given a key to the ultimate hall of sailing knowledge – with deep links to centuries of nautical tradition with a modern day twist – the world where Skip sails. You can rest assured that this … is by someone who really knows what he’s talking about. It's very readable; but you'll learn a lot too. A fascinating and sometimes amusing book with many thought provoking insights to make sailing both safer and more enjoyable. Enriched with firsthand knowledge and crafted to be both pragmatic and motivational, Skip Novak on Sailing is an invaluable resource for any sailor, regardless of experience level You can rest assured that this collection of essays, grouped by subject rather than chronology to encourage dipping in and out, is by someone who really knows what he's talking about. Novak’s collection of columns is sure to delight PBO readers! With a focus on developing skills, gaining experience and learning how to solve problems, this book is as inspirational as it is practical, and certain to challenge you to improve your own seamanship.