7 Sailing Book Suggestions Every Sailor Should Read

7 Sailing Book Suggestions Every Sailor Should Read

Let the Maritime Goods team list the best books on sailing and sea adventures that came together for you. These books offer information on a wide range of subjects, from sailing techniques to history to experience, and are a great starting point for sailors to learn about sailing.

The Long Way - Bernard Moitessier

Discover the story of Bernard Moitessier as he participates in the Golden Globe Race adventure. During six months of solo sailing, he was exposed to various adversities. He had to face equipment failures, storms, and most of all, loneliness and fatigue. You can learn about this story of the French sailor and how he overcame obstacles without even touching the land once. The long road helps us understand what a solo sailor's voyage is like.
We are sure that you will be able to finish this book in one breath, which received reviews from critics as "a completely strange, fascinating and informative book".

Close to the Wind - Pete Goss

This book tells the incredible story of Pete Goss as he participated in the Vendée Globe race. He describes how he and his boat, Aqua Quorum, overcame obstacles over four months, and how his life changed after he received a radio Mayday in terrible conditions from French sailor Raphael Dinelli. Our hero decides to come to his rescue by giving up the race. Close to the Wind shows us an act of true heroism.
“Realistic storytelling is gripping, humility is endearing, his dedication to a cause and the way he achieves it is inspiring.” You can learn a lot from the gripping story of this book, which received reviews from critics.


The Old Fisherman - Ernest Hemingway


The Old Man and the Sea is a book that tells the story of Santigo, an experienced fisherman who has not had a successful fishing season. He sails beyond the Cuban coast to catch the best fish. One day, a huge Marlin takes the bait and Santiago puts up a fight against him and the hunters who want to catch him. An incredible story that shows us how far a man can go to achieve his goal.
“It's a pretty great example of the art of narration. The writing is as tense as the line where the old man plays the fish, and it's played with lithe and cunning at the same time.” When you start reading this book, which received comments from critics, you will suddenly find yourself in the adventure of Santigo.


The Unexpected Journey of Jack De Crow - A.J. Mackinnon


Discover the amazing story told in Jack De Crow's An Unexpected Journey. A sailing voyage of Jack from North Wales to the Black Sea. The book is worth reading, immersing yourself in the protagonist's optimism and the way he solves different situations in which he is affected, his adventures ranging from strong tides to encounters with pirates, and the inspiring techniques he uses.
This book, which received comments from critics as "You will want to share incredible salvations and sail to the seas with the agile mind of the adventure that started badly", reminds us that adventures that will not come to mind are waiting for people in the seas.


Riot on the Bounty - Peter FitzSimons


Discover the extraordinary story of the famous mutiny aboard HMS Bounty on April 28, 1789, in the South Pacific. A story that begins with Fletcher Christian and his rebels discovering Pitcairn Island and of course Captain William Bligh's famous voyage 3618 nautical miles from Timor. A rebellion-encompassing adventure drama, this book follows Bligh's tremendous success in getting to safety and the epic journey of Fletcher Christian and the rebels from the sultry paradise Tahiti to the Pitcairn Island outpost.
“A fascinating show of power… An extraordinary and compelling storytelling”, this book, which received criticism from critics, allows us to experience the techniques, tactics, and drama of historical naval battles.


Sailing Alone Around the World - Joshua Slocum


Sailing Alone Around the World tells the true story of Joshua Slocum and his first solo sailing journey around the world. This brave sailor fought big waves, storms, and pirates but never left the high seas. A story that shows us how smart and brave a person can be.
"A compelling and readable story... A believable tale of the wit, skill, and fortitude that guides a master sailor," this book is a motivational tale of just how far courage can go.


Song for the Blue Ocean - Carl Safina


If you're into sailing, why not read a book about the wonders of the ocean and the mysterious underwater world? It chronicles the journey of scientist and fisherman Carl Safina, translated as Song of the Blue Ocean. It takes us to discover what lies behind the world's changing seas. It is indeed an adventurous journey full of interesting insights.
"Engaging and enlightening... a passionate and captivating narrative... a landmark book." This book is a passionate book that will allow him to explore the coasts, islands, reefs, and bottomless depths of the sea.

Bonus: Books Of Su Ustunde Yachts – Fatih Takmaklı


It is the 2nd book of the "Su Ustunde" series, whose full name is "Yachts From Past to Present from Dream to Reality". There are 745 pictures of luxury and historical yachts in the book. The technical information and histories of these yachts are also written in the book. Yachts on the Water includes photographs of 53 ports in 15 countries. There are 1346 images in total in the book. The 684-page Yachts on the Water book was published in 2022. The book also contains information on 105 yacht-building companies. A unique work for sea and yacht enthusiasts, Yachts from Dream to Reality from Past to Present is a candidate to be a bedside book.
This book, which received comments from critics as "A masterpiece that anyone with a passion for the sea can't ignore, an encyclopedia-level information archive, a tremendous work..." reveals the diversity and knowledge of these admirable vehicles on the water.

If you want to experience your boat adventure, you can experience these adventures by renting a boat anywhere in the world. If you need ideas on where to go, you can check out our On the Water blog posts.