Innocents Afloat

Publisher: Sheridan House Inc., 1993 £ 8.95

Intriguing and fun. Apparently simple tales of boats and sailors passing along the east coast of the USA from Maine to Florida, stopping over at a boat station along the way for repairs, re-stocking, re-thinking their aims, changing their partners or just looking for relaxation. There are amusing antics and serious blunders, exhibitions of hard-earned skill, all the triumphs and disasters with amusing anecdotes. There are good descriptions of winds and tides, and weather and navigation problems.

Gradually, however, it becomes apparent that there is a gentle philosophy underlying and joining this collection., beautifully expressed and showing us how we are changed and humanised by what onlookers may regard as trivialities and, sometimes, as misdemeanours. There is the beginning of an explanation here of the magic of boats and the sea which overwhelms us all, no matter how we play or live with or are overtaken by the elements we challenge and absorb. It is well and clearly printed, and illustrated with occasional sensitive sketches. - TGH

Page prepared 17 May 1999