Recommended reading for a novice

[Hobiehobie]

Hi Forum. I have a couple of crew joining me for an ocean passage (Azores to UK) and they are both new to longer blue water sails, but they have asked me for some reading suggestions to help prepare. Now, I don’t want them to slog through seamanship manuals or COLREGs but want to give them some suggestions that will inspire and perhaps educate. I will tell them exactly what they need to do specific to watch keeping and the boat when they are aboard.

What might you suggest? I was thinking of John Kretschmer’s “Sailing A Serious Ocean”. What else might I add to the reading list?

[Zanshin]

Here's my list of books worth reading

[Snore]

Ariel Gentry sailing is the one author worth reading. Every other book about sail trim builds on his work

[JPA Cate]

Hello, hobiehobie, in thinking about what you posted, I think you would do well to send them something in writing describing all the duties you have in mind for them, long enough before they come aboard, so that they can process the ideas, imagine themselves doing the work, and generate more questions for you.

Among Zanshin's references, he mentions Beth A. Leonard's book The Voyager's Handbook: The Essential Guide to Blue Water Cruising. Get the First Edition. The publisher hired someone else to amend Leonard's work. Actually, I thought his was quite a reasonable list. I'd add Any of Lyn and Larry Pardee's early books, with the caveat that theirs was not a modern style boat, and that times have changed....

Ann

[psk125]

Zanshin suggests some good books, but omits the Dashews' Circumnavigator's Handbook. Though it is getting dated, it does describe different approaches people take to long-distance cruising and, more importantly, their reasons. Another title, well written and interesting, is Atlantic Circle, by Kathryn Lasky Knight. It talks about ocean sailing from a woman's point of view, taking a small sloop transatlantic and through the canals and water passages of Europe. It's not all sun & fun.https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/atlant...dition=2141862

[Fore and Aft]

For a bit of inspiration and a light hearted read "The boat they laughed at" is pretty good.
Cheers
https://krakenyachts.com/the-boat-they-laughed-at/