Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sailing, Yachts and Yarns

Rate this book
“Nobody captures the magic of sail or conveys the lessons of seamanship like Tom. He’s one of sailing’s great raconteurs.” David Glenn, Editor, Yachting World Tom Cunliffe, star of BBC TV’s The Boats That Built Britain , is also Britain’s leading sailing writer. Here he shares a collection of his most entertaining, outspoken and instructive writing.
Sailing, Yachts and Yarns is a selection of his funniest, wisest and most thought-provoking writing from the pages of Yachting Monthly. Tom’s regular column for this premier sailing magazine gives him free reign to explore a wide range of topics. His love of language and sense of humour shine through as he recalls the wealth of sinners and saints he has met on docksides from Southampton to South America, Greenwich to Greenland and Newtown to New York.
Tom has a gift for capturing the magic of sail and finding pearls of practical wisdom in the most unlikely nautical adventures. He is also a great champion for all those who love the freedom of the seas and refuses to mince his words as he stands up to the bullies and bureaucrats that might clog the water with rules and red tape. Sailing, Yachts and Yarns is a lively miscellany of a wit, wisdom and wonder. It will make you laugh and make you think – and make you want to cast off to enjoy the delights of life afloat. Tom Cunliffe is a worldwide authority on sailing instruction and an expert on traditional craft. He is the author of more than 25 books and writes for Yachting Monthly, Yachting World and SAIL magazines.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 2011

12 people are currently reading
31 people want to read

About the author

Tom Cunliffe

75 books4 followers
Tom Cunliffe (born 1947) is a British yachting journalist, author and broadcaster.

Cunliffe has been a regular contributor to Yachting Monthly, Yachting World, Sail magazine, Classic Boat and 'Sailing Today' for many years.

A professional writer since 1986, Cunliffe has won the Best Book of the Sea award twice, for Topsail and Battleaxe and Hand, Reef and Steer.[4] He is author of the important Shell Channel Pilot for the English Channel.

In 2010 he presented the award-winning six-part BBC documentary series, The Boats that Built Britain. He also presented the popular 'Boat Yard' series for Discovery TV. He now has a big following on his Youtube channel, 'Yachts and Yarns'.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
17 (34%)
4 stars
16 (32%)
3 stars
13 (26%)
2 stars
3 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Dmitry.
78 reviews10 followers
January 21, 2014
One of the best books on sailing I've read. Full of stories funny, touching, and occasionally useful. Warmly recommended to anyone who sails the seas.
Profile Image for Les Reynolds.
678 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2024
Some interesting bits, but I’m mostly wondering why I didn’t DNF halfway through.
Profile Image for Jellyellie Gassman.
Author 2 books3 followers
January 26, 2014
Absolutely brilliant book. I was initially sceptical as I believe Tom Cunliffe is too often heralded as 'the sailing God', but now I understand why.

This book forms a collection if the columns that Cunliffe has written over the years for Yachting Monthly.

It is incredible that Cunliffe has so many amazing stories and anecdotes about his worldly sailing adventures. It is very inspirational; he has certainly lived a wonderful life and is a true sailing expert.
Profile Image for Donna.
64 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2013
Excellent practical advice and interesting stories for sailors or would-be sailors.
2 reviews
June 17, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.

The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.

For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...

Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:

1. Reading Exercises the Brain

As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.

2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment

Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.

3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus

We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.

4. Reading Improves Literacy

Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.

5. Reading Improves Sleep

By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.

6. Reading Increases General Knowledge

Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.

7. Reading Is Motivating

By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.

https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/baja-40-outl...
https://numberoneboats.com/baja-40-ou...
https://theboatyacht.com/baja-405-for...
https://numberoneboats.com/baja-405-f...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.