Book reviews
Buy these books online via RNLI.org/amazon and Amazon will donate a minimum of 1% of the value
to the RNLI. Recommended retail prices may vary from the time of writing. Post and packaging costs may apply to online orders.
A Boy Called Ocean
by Chris Higgins
The course of young love never runs smoothly, as Kai finds out when his feelings for his friend Jen
grows. Especially when she seems more interested in Australian lifeguard, Macca.
When Kai takes off and goes surfing in a storm, things take a dangerous turn. Will anyone notice he’s missing and call for help? This is a novel about young love, self-reflection and a determination to survive while stranded at sea – a great gift for a teenager.
Published by Hodder Children’s Books
ISBN 9780340997031
Price: £6.99
Where the Magic Happens
by Caspar Craven
Inspired by a casual conversation over family lunch, Caspar Craven and his wife Nichola took a leap of faith to sail around the world with their three children. This real-life account seeks to help others turn a wild dream into reality, by sharing everything the family learned from their adventure. There are also personal photographs from the trip – from the family’s first Christmas at sea to discovering islands. Perfect for daydreamers yearning to embark on an adventure, or sailing enthusiasts looking for an inspirational challenge. Read when you need to unwind – or simply to inspire your next getaway.
Published by Adlard Coles
ISBN 9781472949912
Price: £18.99
Reeds Splicing Handbook
by Jan-Willem Polman
As rope technology has evolved, so have the techniques used to splice it. Fear not, whatever type of rope you are using, be it three-strand, eightstrand, double-braided polyester or Dyneema, this pocket-sized book has it covered. Not sure which type of rope will be best suited to the job? The guide can help you here too. Once you have your rope in hand, simply follow the clear step-by-step
instructions and useful photographs to create your own eye splices, soft shackles and continuous loops. The guide would appeal to anyone who is keen to try their hand at splicing, but would be equally useful as an aide memoire to the more experienced rigger.
Published by Adlard Coles
ISBN 9781472952752
Price: £8.99
Racundra’s Third Cruise
by Arthur Ransome
Were you enchanted by Arthur Ransome’s classic tale Swallows and Amazons when you were young?
If so, you’ll be just as intrigued by the first-hand account of his adventures onboard his yacht Racundra. Ransome’s story takes place in 1924, during a 6-week honeymoon cruise around the Baltic with his new wife Evgenia Shelepina, once the secretary of Leon Trotsky. Although Ransome never finished writing his story, it was published decades later – along with his handwritten notes, drawings,
photographs, and the boat’s log. Ransome’s little details are delightful, particularly the grass snake onboard who is happiest when curled around the teapot!
Published by Fernhurst Books
ISBN 9781912177110
Price: £14.99
The Lifeboat Service in England: The North East Coast Station by Station
by Nicholas Leach
The north-east of England is home to some of the oldest lifeboat stations in the UK – crews were saving lives here before the RNLI was founded. It’s a stretch of coastline with a remarkable
history. This comprehensive book is a tribute to those stations – and the hundreds of volunteers who served them. The first section covers the origins of the lifeboat – the first purposebuilt lifeboat, Original, was created in the north-east by Henry Greathead in 1789. The second part of the book
gives a brief history of all stations in the north-east, both past and present. You’ll find key dates in their histories, famous rescues and their current lifeboats. This is a treasure trove of information for keen locals and maritime enthusiasts alike.
Published by Amberley
ISBN 9781445668321
Price: £17.99
Adlard Coles Book of Mediterranean Cruising by Rod Heikell
Rod Heikell is an expert on Mediterranean sailing – with 40 years’ experience of cruising its
coasts and islands. This updated edition of his classic guide is a perfect companion for anyone looking to sail away to warmer climes. There are plenty of practical tips on sailing, from weather
advice and anchoring, to berthing bow- or stern-to, navigation, popular routes and, crucially, what to expect once you’re ashore. Heikell’s guide covers every country around the Mediterranean – and there’s even a handy section for people looking to cruise on a budget.
Published by Adlard Coles
ISBN 9781472951236
Price: £20
Words: Kate Sampson, Nikki McMullen, Jen Burbridge, Jasmin Downs