Storms and Wild Water

Price: £16.99

I’m not sure that I should have read this book just before setting off across the Atlantic! Dag Pike’s vivid descriptions of storm conditions is enough to put anyone off sailing. With 60 years of experience at sea in all kinds of vessels, both power and sail, including testing lifeboats in extreme conditions, the author is exceptionally qualified to describe the power of the sea.

The book does not attempt to describe details of the various strategies and tactics to avoid or ride out storms, rather it describes the conditions which form storms, hurricanes and extreme waves throughout the globe and the experiences of some who have gone through such. Of particular note is the plethora of magnificent – and horrifying – photographs of vessels in extreme conditions. Read this book by the fireside, but not when sheltering in harbour from a gale! - Tony Boas