When enjoying life on the water, it almost seems criminal to not have a well-stocked library of sailing literature. In this definitive list, we will share our favorite sailing novels from stories written in the late 1800’s through modern literature.
Typhoon by Joseph Conrad
A classic tale first published in 1902 is said to be based off Conrad’s actual experience as a sailor. This book takes place on a British Steamer the SS Nan-Shan which is taken on a perilous course into a tropical cyclone in the northwestern area of the Pacific Ocean. Captain MacWhirr is an emotionally detached yet his grit and determination in the face of natural adversity elicits a begrudging respect.
South Sea Vagabonds by J.W. Wray
Published in 1939 this is a truly romantic tale of adventure despite adversity. When Wray lost his office job during the Great Depression he began building a ship from found and salvaged objects in pursuit of his dreams of sailing. Having almost no money or experience this story is a captivating and heartwarming tale of Captain Wray.
Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum
Set aboard his hand rebuilt sloop Spray, Captain Slocum a highly experienced navigator wrote this memoir to document his solo circumnavigation. Often times he would be welcomed into port by important members of the communities he visited. The book was originally released in installments before being published as a complete work in 1900. A staple of classic sailing literature you will surely find yourself quickly falling in love with Captain Slocum and his adventures.
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
This thrilling and dark natured novel was written in 1936 and boasts a very tragic story. Sailors are led to their deaths by a nefarious group of wreckers off the Cornish coast. With plot twists and plenty of action, this book is a must read!
The Old Man & The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway is one of the most well known and respected authors in contemporary literature. This story about an aging Cuban fisherman, Santiago was Hemmingway’s last major work of fiction and won both a Nobel and Pulitzer Prize. Santiago’s struggle with a huge marlin is a metaphor for the futility of life. While melancholic there is still a very uplifting message to be drawn from this classic.
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