Skip Novak on Sailing: Words of Wisdom from 50 Years Afloat

by Skip Novak, Robin Knox-Johnston (Foreword by)

Overview

Skip Novak is revered around the world for his sailing adventures. In this book he brings together the sum of his knowledge and the wisdom of his experience so you can follow in his wake – or create your own.

Drawing from his longstanding column for Yachting World, Skip has curated, edited and updated his original missives alongside brand new material to make a collection that is both thought-provokingly bold and invaluably practical. Skip is an ardent proponent of self-reliance, and his hard-won advice will challenge you to improve your seamanship, focusing on skill, experience and problem-solving knowledge.

While covering lots of traditional skills, such as celestial navigation, anchoring and docking, Skip also looks to the future, tackling innovative technologies that can make life afloat easier. Skip has a particular interest in helping new and younger sailors heed the clarion call of adventure he truly believes the ocean provides, and this interest shines through in his thoughtful guidance.

Steeped in personal experience, but designed to be as inspirational as it is practical, Skip Novak on Sailing will help you become a better sailor, no matter your level of experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399414746
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	07/23/2024
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.15(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Chicago-born, Europe-based, but often to be found exploring the Antarctic, Skip Novak has long inspired sailors all over the world with his thirst for adventure. He has competed in most major yacht races, including the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, the Sydney-Hobart Race and the Fastnet Race. He has written for Yachting World and the Daily Telegraph and is also the author of One Watch at a Time and Fazisi – The Joint Venture, shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

Robin Knox-Johnston entered the Merchant Navy at the age of 17, obtaining his Master's Certificate 8 years later. Of the 9 competitors he was the only one to complete the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968 after 312 days alone at sea and win the trophy for the first solo non-stop circumnavigation. Since then Robin has participated in many ocean races including the Whitbread, and in 1994 co-skippered Enza with Sir Peter Blake to set a new world record for a circumnavigation. He has been UK Yachtsman of the Year twice, International Yachtsman of the Year in 1995, and was knighted in 1995. He still owns and sails Suhaili.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Introduction

Skip's first column

1. Learning to Sail

2. Ocean Racing

3. Design and Maintenance

4. Technology – Pros and Cons

5. Safety at Sea

6. Expedition Sailing and Cruising

7. Stories from Back in the Day

Skip's final column

Epilogue

Editorial Reviews

Skip Novak takes us to the high seas providing technical wisdom, wonderful adventure stories, appreciation of nature and a philosophical narrative about the special joys of visiting remote regions. Novak's writing is easy to read and his prose makes you feel like you are on board with him on his voyages. This extraordinary collection of articles is an important treasure for every sailor's library.” —Gary Jobson, editor-at-large, "Sailing World" and "Cruising World", former President of US Sailing

“In all of maritime history, there is no one like Skip Novak. Skip's writing is like the man: disarmingly modest, wryly funny; written from an unrivalled empirical knowledge not only of the sea and sailing, but also of the literature of the sea. Stories you might have heard if you'd been lucky enough to meet Captain Cook in a pub.” —Peter Nichols, author of "A Voyage for Madmen" and "Sea Change"

“You won't put this book down! Skip Novak is the ultimate sailing adventurer – a modern day Magellan, an Obi-Wan Kenobi/Dumbledore-like character whose opinions, wisdom and insights will glow like flaming coals in the imagination of any sailor. Perusing this compendium is like being given a key to the ultimate hall of sailing knowledge – with deep links to centuries of nautical tradition with a modern day twist – the world where Skip sails.” —Peter Isler, Chairman of American Sailing, navigator of the winning yacht in two America's Cups, author of "Sailing for Dummies"

“You can rest assured that this … is by someone who really knows what he's talking about. It's very readable; but you'll learn a lot too.” —Sailing Today

“A fascinating and sometimes amusing book with many thought provoking insights to make sailing both safer and more enjoyable.” —Tidings Magazine

“Enriched with firsthand knowledge and crafted to be both pragmatic and motivational, Skip Novak on Sailing is an invaluable resource for any sailor, regardless of experience level” —Noonsite

“You can rest assured that this collection of essays, grouped by subject rather than chronology to encourage dipping in and out, is by someone who really knows what he's talking about.” —Classic Boat

“Novak's collection of columns is sure to delight PBO readers!” —Practical Boat Owner

“With a focus on developing skills, gaining experience and learning how to solve problems, this book is as inspirational as it is practical, and certain to challenge you to improve your own seamanship.” —WindCheck Magazine

From the Publisher