Sadly (for some of us), sailing normally is the cause of, not the solution to, bills! For the majority of us who aren’t paid to mess about in boats, we can always dream of life at sea even when we’re away from our beloved boats. I find a great distraction to this dilema is reading the tales of those lucky enough to have great sea-bound adventures.

Below is a short list of books I’ve read and recommend, in no particular order.

Bligh, Master Mariner (Rob Mundle)

Once again Rob Mundle tells a great story about one hell of a sailor! Purposely avoiding the politics behind the famous mutiny aboard HMS Bounty, Mundle concentrates on the good stuff – seabound adventures, narrow escapes and a mariner who deserves much more credit than popular culture gives him. While most people with an interest in maritime history (or an Australian school education) know the basics of Bligh’s survival story when cast adrift in a life boat off Tahiti with 18 crew, just how an amazing feat it was to navigate to Timor without a single loss of life is highlighted in this wonderful account of a great mariner. Of course there’s much more to Bligh’s outstanding career than this most famous episode.

All Piss & Wind  (David Salter)

David Salter, a renound Australian television and newspaper journalist reminds us that we don’t have to be the owner of a multi-million dollar yacht or elite professional sailors to enjoy a life of sea-bound adventure. Short annecdotes ranging from growing up sailing Vaucluse Juniors in the 50′s to racing offshore super-maxi’s in prestige bluewater classics, and everything in between, capture the true spirit of a life spent ’simply messing about in boats’.

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100 Magic Miles Of The Great Barrier Reef  (David Colfelt)

A must have in the cruising library for any yacht headed to the Whitsunday Island group in Queensland, Australia. Known as ‘The Bible’ among Whitsunday cruisers, 100 Magic Miles covers all the vital information for cruising these magnificant islands. Includes information such as facilities (pumpout stations, fresh water, ammenities), anchorages, best approaches in varying weather conditions, fishing and diving sites and just about anything else worth knowing. New 9th edition also includes walking trails on various islands for those keen to stretch the legs on terra firma after a while at sea.

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Saved (Tony Bullimore)

 British yachtsman Tony Bullimore recounts his story of survival when the keel broke off his yacht during the 1997 Vendee Globe single handed race around the world, below 50 degrees south. Also covering various other adventures and close calls with death throughout his life, it’s hard not to question his sanity as well as admire Bullimore’s determination and will to succeed at the top level of the sport of yacht racing. The conservative, safety conscious cruiers among us may be amazed at the limits Bullimore often pushes his yachts to in a quest to not just lead, but dominate various races. The vastness of the Australian Navy’s search and resue efforts is an inspiring reminder that even in the most remote parts of the oceans, someone is watching over us.

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Close To The Wind (Pete Goss)

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone more passionate and dedicated to offshore yacht racing than Pete Goss. Close To The Wind is the story of Pete’s 10 year battle to compete in and finish the 1996 Vendee Globe single handed round-the-world race, as well as various other adventures. Pete is determind to complete this challenge despite just about every setback from finance, politics, weather, time and even the rescue of a fellow competitor. A thrilling read about a man truely dedicated to his passion in life