CapnK's book picks

[CapnK]

I read a *lot* of books, so expect this list to get longer over time as I read new ones, or am reminded of older ones. For a start -

"Blue Water" - Bob and Nancy Griffiths - One of my all-time favorites. Aboard Awhanee, the Griffiths completed at least 5 circumnavigations, as well as untold other amounts of cruising miles. In this book they lay out their idea of what amounts to KISS principle deep water sailing, boat design, safety, etc etc... I think this book is out of print,but it is well worth chasing down a copy if you can. Full of good info.

"Journey of a Hope Merchant" - Neal Peterson - A great story, more of one mans tale, about racing across oceans, and how he  bootstrapped himself up to doing it. Peterson built his own boat that he sailed in 2 OSTAR's and 2 BOC Challenges. I didn't know it at the time, but it is highly likely that I saw him making sail out of Charleston harbor on one of his BOC races. Good read, highly recommended.

"The Complete Rigger`s Apprentice" - Brion Toss - A great book about all things rigging, both standing and running. Well worth the $40 price tag. Covers everything from calculating rig loads to making backsplices in 3-strand.

There's a few to start with... :)

[CapnK]

Well, today I did something I have been meaning to do for a while...

In the above list, I wrote briefly about "Journey of a Hope Merchant", by Neal Petersen. When I read his book, I was highly surprised to find that, after his second BOC round-the-world race, he had settled in a town located about 20 miles south of my marina. I've been meaning to try to contact him, and today I did, sort of. I spoke with his wife, since Neal is in Cali for a speaking engagement. Long story short, he returns next week, and we are all  going to get together for a talk. He'll be the first person I've ever spoken with personally who has rounded any of the southern capes, much less *all* of them. :D It should be realy cool, I hope he is prepared for a million questions... ;)

Maybe if he'd like, I'll take him sailing when the weather warms up a bit. ;D

[Iceman]

Dont know if you saw me post elsewhere
But we get to see and hear Tania Aebi at our mid winter raftup at a great restaurant in town
Ice

Tania Aebi's 'Maiden Voyage'

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[Pixie Dust]

Iceman,  her book was an inspiration to me as a female who has only been sailing for the last 5 1/2 yrs.  I thought if a girl this age can do, surely I can too.
I would really enjoy an opportunity to hear her speak. 
Give us a report!  :)

[Zen]

I just finished reading Neal Peterson's 'Journey of a Hope Merchant'. Amazing story! I reccomend it as well. also for the ladies on board here. I will also add it is a very involved and surprising love story. Really two love stories. For the guys, it is a great sailing adventure.

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[EdD]

Zen,

Went to Neal Peterson's site...very impressive.  I'm sure he is an inspiration to many.  Do you know if CapnK ever met with him?  Speaking of CapnK, has anyone heard from him lately?

PS:  Have not been able to get e-mails to you for the last 2 days??

EdD

[Zen]

Yes, The good Capt'n had lunch or something with Neal and his wife.
They live about 30 miles or 30 min from Capt'nK.

His book is quite amazing, how many times death was knocking on his hull and all he faced, on both land and sea. Yet is still just a nice regular guy. He was, he told me, just going for his American citizenship like your wife. Perhaps same time, same place, would'nt that be weird  :o

How did she do btw?

[EdD]

Zen,

Well, as usual the bureaucrats didn't give us the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  My wife was told that she had to take her civics test and then would probably be sworn in...NOT.  She passed the test with flying colors but was not sworn in. Not that is a big deal, but she will be notified in the next few weeks when and where that will happen.  It will probably be in Columbia, SC.  There is also an immigration office in Charleston which is probably where Neal went. 

I didn't see any mention of nationality on Neal's website...of course I'd had a few Coronas...but where is he from?   I'll have to check out his book.

Heading for my promised 9:00 pm (Eastern Time) appearance in the chat room.  See ya' later.

EdD

[CharlieJ]

Neal is from South Africa