Some Good Reads

Don’t get us wrong. The internet is great. But when it comes time for a good read, we turn the computer off and grab a book. If you’re a scholar and gentleman (or woman) such as ourselves — or are looking to buy a nice sailing-related book for one — maybe we can help you out. In the next few ‘Lectronic Latitudes, we’ll do quickie reviews of a few books published this year that the sailor(s) on your gift list might enjoy.

• In June, 2005, John and Jean Silverwood’s Lagoon 55 catamaran Emerald Jane hit a reef in the South Pacific. Black Wave (Random House, $25) is the story of what happened to the San Diego couple and their four chidren before, during and after that night — including the loss of John’s leg, severed by the falling mast. Not only a terrific read and ultimately an uplifting story, this book delivers the message loud and clear that, no matter how prepared and experienced you are, never think it can’t happen to you.

• The Black Pearl — A Pirate Ship has nothing to do with Johnny Depp and everything to do with Paul Cayard and his crew sailing the Disney-sponsored boat of that name in the last (2005-06) Volvo Ocean Race. Cayard has always been a talented writer, and this book contains not only his daily reports — appended to chapters covering each leg — but also a memoir written after the race, in which the Pearl took second against almost unbelievable odds. The book, available only through Cayard’s website (www.cayardsailing.com/cs_BlackPearl.cfm) is $25 per copy, or $50 for a signed edition. All proceeds from the sales go to supporting local sailing, specifically the Belvedere Cove Foundation, which assisted Paul in getting the book published, and the St. Francis Foundation, which supports junior sailing programs at both the San Francisco and St. Francis Yacht Clubs.

• It’s been a long time since Lin and Larry Pardey captivated — and motivated — a generation of cruisers with their first book, Cruising in Seraffyn. In the three-plus decades since then, they have added substantially to the knowledge base with a series of books, videos and DVDs. One of the best of these is Storm Tactics, the third edition of which was released in ‘08 (Pardey Books, $22.95). This one is revised, expanded “and Cape Horn tested,” and just chock full of real-life heavy-weather methods they and others have used and tested over the years. It’s certainly not the only book written on the subject, but it is one of the best. Also new from the Pardeys this year: Cruising Has No Limits, a great DVD featuring Lin and Larry at home in New Zealand, sailing Taleisin and going on a 4X4 safari in South Africa. Find it at www.landlpardey.com.