Blue Water, Green Skipper

by Stuart Woods

Stuart Woods had never owned more than a dinghy before setting out on one of the world’s most demanding sea voyages, navigating single-handedly across the Atlantic. How, at the age of thirty-seven, did this self-proclaimed novice go from small ponds to the big sea?

Now with a new afterword that looks back at how one transatlantic race changed his life, Woods takes readers on a spectacular journey not just of traveling across the world, but of being tried in fire, learning by accepting challenges, appreciating the beauty of the open water, and living to tell about it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Nautical, Travel, Biography, Adventure, Audiobook

190 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Stuart Woods was an American novelist best known for Chiefs and his long-running Stone Barrington series. A Georgia native, he initially pursued a career in advertising before relocating to England and Ireland, where he developed a passion for sailing. His love for the sport led him to write his first published work, Blue Water, Green Skipper, about his experiences in a transatlantic yacht race.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.

Reviews

[Brenda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

So…I read this only because it satisfied a reading challenge category…and found myself actually enjoying it. I like Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington series and was familiar with his writing so that wasn’t the surprising part. What surprised me was that I was actually drawn into this story of a novice sailor preparing for a solo transAtlantic boat race despite my having zero interest in either sailing or water sports.

This memoir starts off with the 35-year old writer living alone in Ireland earning a living writing articles and working on a writing career. One day at the harbor, he decides to contact the local sailing club and see if he can crew for a boat. He is badly bitten by the sailing bug and he decides to buy a small boat for himself. Soon, that is not enough and he embarks on the process of purchasing, preparing and sailing a 24’ racing yacht by himself across the Atlantic to Newport.

The time and money that went into the preparation for this race was astonishing. The expense of outfitting a boat for this type of journey and the constant aggravations experienced by the author, definitely reinforced my opinion that this is not something I would be interested in (assuming, of course, that I could even afford it!).

If you like sailing – or have an interest in it – I definitely recommend this book. If you want a glimpse into that world, this works well…so long as you realize that sailing has its very only language and that there may be some that will either need to be looked up or skimmed over.

Rating 3.75 Stars

[Mike Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of my sailing addiction selections. This book follows Mr. Woods' relatively quick progression from novice dinghy sailor to solo ocean racer. The pace is a little laborious in stretches, though in fairness that mimics his experiences in those times. the writing is relatively light and engaging, an enjoyable read.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is ironic how this book crossed my path again now, just as I am again trying to figure out how to get sailing back into my life, and while I am dealing with other things that happened in the late 70's and early 80's that changed forever how I look at WEM's, for which Stuart Woods is clearly a poster child. As of today I could say this is my favorite book by this author and proof that I can appreciate a persons ability to write while not necessarily liking the person (although I adore the subject). If you love sailing, or perhaps love Wood's writing, it is a worthy read; otherwise, you will find his arrogance and misogyny either quaintly 70's or off-putting and the plethora of size and speed and equipment used on this or that vessel tiresome. I liked it, better the first time but happy to see it back in print, won't own it but of course that is what libraries are for, reading the books we don't need to own.

[Stu Ducklow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly a long winded bore by a writer enamored with his clever prose. At least the first two-thirds of the book are endless accounts of people he met and repairs he undertook and arrangements he made. About as interesting as a shopping list.

The sailing bit appears to start about Page 250. I've just skipped about 150 pages and found it. Judging from what's gone before, I don't expect much.

[Tony Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously, I did not read this book straight through. That said, I enjoyed it in several visits and restarts. The men and woman that solo sail (race) transatlantic, are adventurous in the extreme. I Enjoy Stewart Woods books and this was an interesting, good read. What an amazing group of sailors. I am not a sailor, but the author managed to make it possible for me to enjoy his adventure all the same. Thanks!

[Wenzel Roessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning part of the book, though interesting, was too technical for someone like me. As the story went down and some of the other people's lives became involved in the story, I became much more interested in it.

[Joe White · Rating 4 out of 5]

It turns out that Stone Barrington, Stuart Wood's main character is actually himself, acting out a part that probably resembles elements of his actual lifestyle. Money - big money, women, and boats. There were no personal planes in this story.

This is actually a very well told account of the preparation for becoming a single-handed ocean racing sailor. It includes details of having a small yacht built, and details many of the tribulations of getting both the boat and self training preparation that is required for sailing masters.

Name dropping becomes wearisome a short way into the book, as everyone that he met in his preparation endeavors was mentioned. On the other hand, a very significant number of the people have their own torches of fame glowing in the annals of sailing, boat building, and yachting racing.

While not obvious to an uninformed reader, this crowd pushes a large wake of money about. The many repairs, refits, and equipment mentioned require a very healthy flow of cash. Some readers may not be aware of the common jokes: a BOAT is a hole in the water that you throw money into, and BOAT stands for 'Bout another thousand'.

There is a reflection of a well healed financially adequate lifestyle in the dining descriptions, hotel accommodations, and party gatherings.

Most of the ocean rowing crossing accounts that I have read, seem to come from rather regular people with a burning passion to go to sea in a particular way. In their accounts, they usually end up with a financial battle which overshadows their actual physical battle with the elements. In this account, there is no doubt about the passions for sailing and accomplishments of Stuart Woods. It just requires a different perspective of appreciation. I think that at this point in his life he was a successful journalist, but his fame as a fiction author had not begun.

A couple of other observations set his personal status in this adventure apart from most of the other adventure stories I have read : (1) He was around 38 when the race ended, so he was not a youngster trying to set a bar for a lifetime challenge; (2) he had already established a successful career but was not burned out or wanting a complete change in lifestyle. Rather this was more of a tale of the accomplishment of something he wanted to do as an additional facet of his lifestyle. He appears to have been very successful.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my library's book club. Having never read Stuart Woods, but having a small interest in sailing as a subject, I was at least interested about what I would find.

The story follows the author's life from the beginning of his interest in sailing to his actual participation in the sport. The ultimate culmination of the story itself is the author's solo journey across the Atlantic as part of the OSTAR race in 1976.

As a whole, the story was quick and relatively easy to follow (not counting the sailing terminology that a non-sailor would need to look up). Mr. Woods has a very distinct voice and reading about his encounters were entertaining even when sometimes mundane.

The book really picked up as he began to seriously sail and described his encounters with the other sailors who would be participating in the OSTAR alongside him. The OSTAR race portion of the book, while shorter then I would have expected, was really the best part of the whole package, reminding me at times of a frank, non-fiction version of something Ernest Hemingway would probably write.

Overall, I enjoyed Blue Water, Green Skipper. While the book as a whole is not likely to stick with me (though a few of the scenes likely will thanks to the emotion that creeps subtly into them) or beg for a re-read, I am happy to have read it and, as a non-sailor, found that it satisfied some of my curiosities about the sport.

[Megargee · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his mid-30s, free of wives, children or other encumbrances, the well-off wannabe novelist Stuart Woods takes up sailing. Beginning in a 10-foot dinghy in 1974, he decides to compete in the 1976 Observer Singlehanded TransAtlantic Race. This is the memoir of that three year journey. The bulk of the book is devoted to his training and preparations, getting knowledge and experience on various classes of boats, commissioning a custom built small yacht, fitting her out, and qualifying for the race. Although Woods has high praise for the boat's designer, the yacht leaks, the fittings break, and she requires numerous expensive repairs. Woods describes the world of wealthy yachting, the various yachting folks he meets, most of whom are very supportive, the women he dates, and even the meals they eat as well as the actual voyages he makes which, to me, were the most interesting parts of the book.
A 2012 addendum to the original 1977 publication, updates the reader as to what occurred to the various people over the next 35 years. The fact that Woods later switched from sail to power boats and also took up flying speaks for itself. BTW, the confirmed bachelor married in 2013 at the age of 75.

[Dan Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is not very well written in my opinion. It purports to be a book about sailing solo across the Atlantic but it is a real struggle to get there. Every dinner out and drink with friends is mentioned. I'm sure Mr Woods had an active social life but I could have lived knowing less about it. Tons of minutia about every aspect of getting ready for the trip and then very little information about the actual trip. Lots of sailing terms thrown about without any explanation. I chugged through the book but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone else.

[Mr. Wakiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read enough sailing books, you will understand what is going on in this book... otherwise it will be a little confusing... the writing reminds me of early post-Hemmingway of self-romanticizing.

As others have pointed out it is about 230 pages of a lead up to a sail across the Atlantic, covered quickly in 40 pages, and, of course, not very thoroughly.

I was reminded of Irwin Shaw, without understanding of emotions. Readers of Playboy from 1969 would probably say it was great

it was not

[Ronald Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think overall Woods is a very good writer. This early work is a memoir of his decision to become a sailing fanatic and quickly get the skills and knowledge to sail across the Atlantic solo in a race. Although well written, the book assumes a base knowledge of sailing and ship terms that I think most people don't have. A glossary of terms at the beginning or end or definitions/descriptions of terms or ship parts when first mentioned would have greatly enhanced my reading experience.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick read. again it's interesting to see what a difference 40 years makes in terms of being connected electronically.

even so, the challenges of dealing with weather, randomness, relying on your creativity and resourcefulness are still there.

and he's a good writer too.

fun read

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. From novice sailor starting with dinghies to crossing the Atlantic single-handed. I did not know the author and that he later became a best-selling writer. He comes across as a bit arrogant and, at least for me, a not very likeable person.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this memoir/story I learned a lot about the single-handed yacht sailing race called the OSTAR. The race began in 1960 and runs every four years beginning in England and ending in Rhode Island. I think it’s amazing that anyone does that alone. Especially that Stuart Woods did it himself. This book is filled with lots of technical sailing details, pompous bits of Stuart’s extravagant life, and detailed minutiae of necessary repairs to a sailing yacht, but still very interesting to me that people compete in this race at all.

[Larry Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Chiefs and New York Dead I discovered his first book, a nonfiction account of a man deeply interested in sailing who took on a huge challenge with little offshore experience. He entered one of the world's toughest solo races, sailing a modest 30-foot boat named Mariana across the Atlantic. Woods was determined and at times overwhelmed, especially during severe storms but he learned in real time and ultimately finished in Newport, Rhode Island.

[Katy Koivastik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most enjoyable read! Stuart Woods had the patience and fortitude to learn to sail a dinghy well. He then move on to having a yacht built from scratch, no easy feat. He had to to deal with many craftsmen and tradesmen, most honest, but not all. He ultimately raced his yacht single-handedly across the Atlantic in a testament to human endeavor. Bravo!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow read but well worth it. He spent 3 years buying a boat & supplies and learning & training, I'm amazed at his perseverance. Problems seemed to arise constantly during this process. And then sailing alone across the Atlantic had it's own problems and issues. I cheered when he finally made it into Newport. A lot of pertinent jargon but it did not distract from the story.

[Emilia Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes sailing. It's succinct and unembellished, which I appreciate in nonfiction. It almost reads like a diary of Woods' experience in the OSTAR, with lots of fun characters and lessons. You're learning right alongside him when you read this book.

[Bruce Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Water, Green Skipper by Stuart Woods (pp 190). Author decides he wants to sail, buys a boat, learns how, practices a bit, and participates in the 1976 OSTAR, Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race. Well written and entertaining.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable nonfiction books I’ve read. Plenty of fun sailing facts and details to interest the lay person and keep them turning the pages... I especially enjoyed the 2012 edition afterword update.

[Rebecca Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading non-fiction books about sailing. I enjoyed this book, but too much detail about preparations. I guess it is good for those who plan to take a trip like this.

Also, I like reading an author's early writing. Over the years Woods has certainly matured as a writer.

[v · Rating 3 out of 5]

how this man survived i will never know. the most chaotic account of a man deciding to solo sail in the 1970’s. Was pleasantly surprised by this one, and was a good accompany to our cross country drive.

[Mairead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hysterical at times. Fun recount of becoming a sailor.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read and fascinating introduction to sailing. As a new sailor I appreciated his immediate love for sailing and how he completely threw himself into it.

[Dlmrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

[Behnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story if you are into the Sailing.

[MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. So glad I came across this 1977 book it at the library.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

First SW book I truly didn't care for at all. You have to be a sailor to enjoy this. It just dragged. It's an early work of his and its a memoir, not a novel, so it's different.