Sea Stories: True Adventures of Great Lakes Freighter Captain, Richard Metz

by Richard Metz

The Triumphs, Struggles, and Secrets of a Captain’s Life Richard Metz was a Great Lakes captain for 20 years. He experienced wild weather, close calls, near misses, and events that can only be described as “unimaginable.” He has incredible sea stories to tell, and now they are yours to enjoy. Take an entertaining look at life aboard a variety of Great Lakes ships. Read 26 compelling tales of a Great Lakes crewmate and captain, including stories about the Gales of November, the night of the Edmund Fitzgerald ’s sinking, and more. Plus, you’ll be fascinated by the details and full-color photographs of the ships themselves. If you’re a history buff, a Great Lakes enthusiast, a ship watcher, or a fan of a good yarn, Sea Stories is for you!

Genres: History

200 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2017

Reviews

[Tim Sivils · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read that was very enjoyable. There is an abundance of color photographs included, and the glossy pages are a nice change a pace. The book was filled with wonderful insight and terminology regarding the shipping world and the natural magnificence of the Great Lakes.

[Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories help you to feel like you are actually experiencing life in the Great Lakes. Go behind the scenes of this maritime sailor.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Written in a conversational style that makes it an easy read.

[Richard Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting collection of Captain Metz's 35 years of sailing on Great Lakes freighters, mostly Canadian. I felt that many of the stories could have been elaborated on; just when something appeared to be taking off, the story would end. The reader is enticed by the details, then left high and dry by the abrupt ending. Overall, the book would have benefited from a good editor and proof reader. Nevertheless, I enjoyed some of his tales of Great Lakes sailing.

[Debra Jarus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never read a better Great Lakes book!

I have been a Boatnerd for as long as I can remember. My idea of a perfect vacation is watching boats (Great Lakes ships) lock through the Soo. Captain Metz takes you along on his Great Lakes career, from deckhand to the Captain of various vessels. He gives wonderful insight in to what life was like on these vessels from the 60's through the 90's, and what various ports were like. I just wish this was a series!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book.

While I expected this to be pretty bland, I was very impressed with the way that the stories were written and the details that the author included. He wrote very succinctly, but made sure to explain any points that people who didn't have sailing experience would not be familiar with.
About the only downside I might mention is that the stories weren't in chronological order.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might be the perfect fit for everyone but it was for me because I sailed for a year on a Laker the year after this author started his career and it turns out the ship I was on was a sister to his first boat. Really fun for me to read. Brought back lots of memories. Thanks to Captain Metz.

[D.T.E. Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read and the stories kept me entertained. My only complaint is the stories were a bit standalone, a bit fragmented. This could be even more of a great read if everything was tied together. I understand they may have made such a book and will be on the lookout for it.

[Sherri Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading the stories. It was a fun read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting view into life on a Great Lakes freighter. Sometimes the story jumped around and left out details, but overall a good read.