What do you think?
Rate this book
Flirting with Mermaids: The Unpredictable Life of a Sailboat Delivery Skipper: Lyons Press Maritime Classics
Over the course of twenty years of delivering sailboats to far-flung quaysides, John Kretschmer has had innumerable adventures, both humorous and terrifying. in Flirting with Mermaids, he recounts the most memorable of them.
He crosses the Western Caribbean with a crew of eccentric Swedes researching ancient Mayan mariners, lands in Aden at the outbreak of civil war, and endures a North Atlantic crossing during which he disocvers the existence of Force 13 winds. Approaching Japan at the end of a particularly trying delivery, he finds himself sailing in "a high impact debris zone," but his resolve is unshaken. "If a piece of rocketship jetsam fell out of the sky and sank [me] after encounters with Hurricane Floyd, General Noriega,a tsunami, an erupting volcano, and Typhoon Roy, then it was meant to be."
He crosses the Western Caribbean with a crew of eccentric Swedes researching ancient Mayan mariners, lands in Aden at the outbreak of civil war, and endures a North Atlantic crossing during which he disocvers the existence of Force 13 winds. Approaching Japan at the end of a particularly trying delivery, he finds himself sailing in "a high impact debris zone," but his resolve is unshaken. "If a piece of rocketship jetsam fell out of the sky and sank [me] after encounters with Hurricane Floyd, General Noriega,a tsunami, an erupting volcano, and Typhoon Roy, then it was meant to be."
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 1999
82 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 19, 2021
This is an exceptionally well written book. I particularly enjoyed the thread of humor that was carried throughout, at times even in very non-humorous situations. My wife and I are currently sailing my home-built catamaran across the Pacific and we can relate to some of the stories that John shares although we have not even come close to any of the dire conditions and near disasters he encountered on his delivery trips across the oceans of the world. Thank you John for recording such a wonderful collection of sailing experiences!
December 28, 2018
Flirting with Mermaids
Love all of John Kretschmers books. He makes you feel as though you're sitting across from him as he recounts one of his older stories or else on the boat as you're sailing somewhere across the world's oceans. Be prepared to learn sailing lingo, all about winds, navigation, course setting and secrets of the ocean--all from the comforts of your arm chair.
Love all of John Kretschmers books. He makes you feel as though you're sitting across from him as he recounts one of his older stories or else on the boat as you're sailing somewhere across the world's oceans. Be prepared to learn sailing lingo, all about winds, navigation, course setting and secrets of the ocean--all from the comforts of your arm chair.
June 14, 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/dorado-30-fo...
https://numberoneboats.com/dorado-30-...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
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/dorado-30-fo...
https://numberoneboats.com/dorado-30-...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
July 9, 2017
A quippy book about the life of a delivery captain. It is told in a conversational manner, which is certainly not everybody's cup of tea. It's a quick read, I started and finished it on a travel day. I enjoyed (and can relate to) some of John's accounts of the struggles involved with passages and boat deliveries, though by his 5th hurricane I was starting to think he was cursed by the weather gods... worth picking up if you've lived or contemplated a life at sea.
June 14, 2022
I’m not knowledgeable of nor have any practical experience with sailing but I really enjoy reading this fun book. I originally read this ~2 decades ago while on a small sailing cruise and recently reread while on a large cruise ship trip. While there are some technical terms and such, the stories are very entertaining. A nice book to have on had while plying the waters of the world no matter the size of the boat.
August 4, 2018
As a captain myself, I enjoyed seeing that others experience similar issues. He did have a knack for things breaking for sure. He's a great story-teller. I've read "At the Mercy of the Sea" which shows his maturity as a writer many years on from this book. All-in-all, a fun read that left me wanting more.
October 1, 2022
Unlike some sailing books this was really well written and easy to read. The style of the story as he recalled his experiences to his girlfriend also allowed the book to flow. The stories themselves were fascinating and I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in sailing. I tried to find out what happened to Isoletta on the internet but couldn't find any info!
August 9, 2023
There's a lot of swagger in the first few chapters, and I was growing concerned that this might not be a book for me. I need not have worried. Kretschmer's charm worked its wonders on me on as a reader as well as the characters in his memoir. The book opens up into a real love story and a hard-earned series of adventure stories and is wonderfully written.
October 13, 2025
Kretschmer had me laughing that’s for sure. Some of his rough around the edges colloquialisms remind me of exactly how I speak and I connected with that. His humility and sense of adventure are admirable. His honesty, too. Let not a one of us forget that cruising is first and foremost supposed to be fun. Thank you, John, for the entertaining and colorful reminder.
September 20, 2019
John Kretschmer is an excellent writer- he’s so conversational. I started this book prior to our trip to KY. Ended up staying the whole night stuck in Midway Airport... finished it at 4am...wished there was more!
June 12, 2020
I enjoyed relating to some things and I did like some of the quotes. I appreciate his outlook on life but I didn't think we'd be mates. It's a fun read and I liked the way he told it through stories to the girl he picked up.
February 27, 2022
This is a 20 year old book. Nothing exceptional but a fun easy read. More of a guys book about various sailings all over the world by a young man who delivers sailboats for a living. Just a quick and fun read.
July 13, 2023
Perfect sailing stories
I loved this book! Honestly presented stories of the real life adventures of a delivery captain...the good, the bad, and the ugly; you'll feel like you were there! Jim Owen
I loved this book! Honestly presented stories of the real life adventures of a delivery captain...the good, the bad, and the ugly; you'll feel like you were there! Jim Owen
March 15, 2017
Enjoyable recount of several yacht deliveries gone... well just the way things go!
August 11, 2017
That was a fun book. I love that it seems no matter where or who - the stories are so very relatable if you do water and boats.
January 15, 2020
Entertaining read, great adventures described from a modern day sailor adventurer.
January 3, 2021
I'm not sure if it is good or bad to have a wanderlust. Here was some amazing and horrifying stories of offshore sailing.
June 3, 2021
Great read
It was a thoroughly wonderful adventure from beginning to end! This was the first book I have read by John Kretschmer... It won't be the last. What a great story teller.
It was a thoroughly wonderful adventure from beginning to end! This was the first book I have read by John Kretschmer... It won't be the last. What a great story teller.
July 9, 2021
Excellent read
Very good book by an excellent writer. Great book for sailors and landlubbers! Hard to put down this book - quick read
Very good book by an excellent writer. Great book for sailors and landlubbers! Hard to put down this book - quick read
August 20, 2020
I picked this book up because I hadn’t seen a story like it. Such an interesting job, sailing someone’s ship to a faraway place. Plus who doesn’t love learning more about sea life.
John, the writer, is definitely a sure of himself, self proclaimed romantic. He writes about his life in an interesting way. Ending up in eclectic places in his sailing life. The Lesa stuff struck me as kinda sappy. Especially for him writing his side of the story. But Lesa ends up becoming his wife, so I guess I can see why he added some of the other the time romantic thoughts.
I skimmed some. I found myself wishing this were a documentary on Discovery. I would love to actually see him sailing those giant ships.
John, the writer, is definitely a sure of himself, self proclaimed romantic. He writes about his life in an interesting way. Ending up in eclectic places in his sailing life. The Lesa stuff struck me as kinda sappy. Especially for him writing his side of the story. But Lesa ends up becoming his wife, so I guess I can see why he added some of the other the time romantic thoughts.
I skimmed some. I found myself wishing this were a documentary on Discovery. I would love to actually see him sailing those giant ships.
March 9, 2025
My parents gave me this book after completing my sailing course, at 20 I had already signed on to work for a yacht delivery company and despite learning to sail, my experience and knowledge would be described as green. I read it twice that year and picked it up again a couple years later and with a few more passages and jobs down the line it never ceases to inspire me to return to what I love.
Despite the modern days technical advances, electronics and the ocean still remain firm enemies. Working in boat deliveries now are just as challenging than back when John was writing Flirting with Mermaids. Luckily we have less need for a sextant though I’m still learning how to do celestial navigation just on the off chance and also I do find it fascinating.
I took this book on my first crossing of the Atlantic, my second yacht delivery and reading his stories as the water rushed under the hull of that god awful catamaran, ’the slug’ as the captain and I named her, was one of the happiest moments on that trip.
It might be one of my favourite books and I hope one day that I can thank the man who wrote it and whose stories I aspire to and hope one day I can do justice to say be on par with as a seaman. At 25 now I’ve got a few stories myself from the crazy world of yachting and one day to put those to paper like John does so well is a dream of mine for the future.
Happy to see that he’s still sailing and maybe I’ll see him out there, perhaps bump into him at Peters bar and buy him a pint, maybe he’ll share a new story.
Despite the modern days technical advances, electronics and the ocean still remain firm enemies. Working in boat deliveries now are just as challenging than back when John was writing Flirting with Mermaids. Luckily we have less need for a sextant though I’m still learning how to do celestial navigation just on the off chance and also I do find it fascinating.
I took this book on my first crossing of the Atlantic, my second yacht delivery and reading his stories as the water rushed under the hull of that god awful catamaran, ’the slug’ as the captain and I named her, was one of the happiest moments on that trip.
It might be one of my favourite books and I hope one day that I can thank the man who wrote it and whose stories I aspire to and hope one day I can do justice to say be on par with as a seaman. At 25 now I’ve got a few stories myself from the crazy world of yachting and one day to put those to paper like John does so well is a dream of mine for the future.
Happy to see that he’s still sailing and maybe I’ll see him out there, perhaps bump into him at Peters bar and buy him a pint, maybe he’ll share a new story.
June 22, 2022
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book, but I really did. I enjoy sailing, but I am not a sailor. I enjoy the ocean, but on good days, not stormy days.
My hats off to the author. He is a very brave soul to take old boats that haven’t been well maintained across the Atlantic.
The lessons I came away with is that if this is your career, is that you do have to also have mechanical instincts to be able to fix anything that might go wrong. And in almost every delivery something went wrong.
I enjoyed his introduction to different seafaring partners he introduced us to, and their skills to be
able to make the trips.
Spoiler alert, toward the end of the book, I also enjoyed his description of his love affair with a woman who seems ideally made for him.
I am sure they are having many adventures as I write this.
My hats off to the author. He is a very brave soul to take old boats that haven’t been well maintained across the Atlantic.
The lessons I came away with is that if this is your career, is that you do have to also have mechanical instincts to be able to fix anything that might go wrong. And in almost every delivery something went wrong.
I enjoyed his introduction to different seafaring partners he introduced us to, and their skills to be
able to make the trips.
Spoiler alert, toward the end of the book, I also enjoyed his description of his love affair with a woman who seems ideally made for him.
I am sure they are having many adventures as I write this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2011
This is a fun read of true adventure stories by the author, a sailboat delivery captain for twenty years. I had no idea so many things could go wrong on a boat! Or on land, for that matter; check out the chapter describing Mr. Kretschmer's innocent blundering into a civil war upon arrival off Aden, a seaport city in Yemen. Throw in a few hurricanes, fascinating ports of call all over the world, sudden failure of important boat parts, and innumerable quirky characters who sign onto a trip for "bluewater experience" and you have a highly entertaining book. In the descriptions involving battles with severe weather, it would have helped if I'd been familiar with sailing terminology however.
March 12, 2016
Sometimes you read a book and think...blah... which is the case from this book... more so I woke up thinking --- who was this book written for? in this case not me. The premise was the author was telling his new girlfriend his past as they start a new relationship... in the course of the book the girlfriend becomes pregnant (there is no sex, but what is assumed), they get married and they have a baby girl at the end...which actaully might be a better story..
For some others the adventures at sea that are the main part of the book might be the best part of the book if it was told as if it was for me, not the girlfriend, wife, mother of child.
For some others the adventures at sea that are the main part of the book might be the best part of the book if it was told as if it was for me, not the girlfriend, wife, mother of child.
October 24, 2018
At first, I found the personality of the author of this autobiographical work a bit overbearing and arrogant and full of himself. As I read through the book, he became more likable. Somewhat of a maverick myself, and also a sailor who lives aboard and travels on a cutter-rigged sailboat part of the year, I can fully appreciate the stories. Because I do not make a living sailing, I have not put myself in the conditions that the author has, nor would I like to. I think it is more fun to read about the grueling and scary incidents woven into tales of adventure than to live them myself.
August 26, 2024
Kretschmer comes as close as is possible to living a pirate's life in today's world. Moreover, he gets (legally) paid for it. He's got the sea stories to prove it, as well as numerous encounters with storms, life-threatening danger, barely seaworthy vessels, unlikely characters, and endless adventures. He knows as much about ocean sailing as anyone alive, and he's actually a very good writer as well. This is a great read for anyone, but for someone with even a bit of sailing experience, it's rollicking fun from start to finish - and you might even learn a thing or two.
October 23, 2009
Well written. Enjoyable to read for even someone (like me) who doesn't understand all the sailing lingo. The author has been all over the world and it was a nice overview of a lot of foreign ports. I had to keep an atlas with me so I could keep track of where he was... the location changed with almost every chapter! I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a non-fiction book that still manages to be fun.
Read
October 16, 2011I really enjoyed this take on cruising. It's more than just another book by just another sailor telling his/her tales of traveling on a boat. The fact that this guy is a delivery captain adds a whole new dimension. Loved hearing how he MacGyvered his way through some pretty hairy situations. And relating stories to the reader as a sort of "conversation" to his mate was an original approach. Made for a fun, light read. That said, he could have used a better editor.
September 14, 2008
A love story disguise as a book on sailing.
You start out thinking you are reading the typical book of adventure on sailing by a delivery captain. But I guess saying you are a delivery captain is a pretty good pick up line.
It is very sweet story. I would it is a chick story but I sent it to a guy friend and he loved the book too... so not strictly for girls.
You start out thinking you are reading the typical book of adventure on sailing by a delivery captain. But I guess saying you are a delivery captain is a pretty good pick up line.
It is very sweet story. I would it is a chick story but I sent it to a guy friend and he loved the book too... so not strictly for girls.
August 29, 2011
This was my second read of this book, having read it several years ago. This book has excitement, romance and sailing techniqes. I enjoyed this book primarily because I would like to live Kretshmer's life for a year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews