Hungry for a taste of the sea? This outstanding collection of yachting extracts, compiled and introduced by internationally renowned seafaring writer Tom Cunliffe, contains a wealth of insight, excitement and adventure that will satisfy the keenest appetite for a salty story. As Tom himself observes, 'Those of us who go down to the sea, whether for leisure, war or commerce, are incomparably blessed with good reading matter.' These 40 carefully-chosen pieces prove him right. They cover an inspiring spectrum of seamanship, from small-boat handling to long-distance cruising, exploring and outrageous behaviour from the 19th century to the present day. Compellingly narrated and strikingly illustrated, they share a powerful theme of self-sufficiency and include everything from tempest-tossed shipwreck to the gruelling challenge of ocean racing, and from tricky navigational exploits to ice-bound encounters with polar bears. These accounts are personal favourites of the author, whose pithy introductions put the reader on deck with the protagonists. Many are rarities or forgotten gems; all deserve to be classics. On board or on shore, in a bunk or in an armchair, this irresistible collection is one to be treasured.

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