As boat owners and true vagabonds, we’ve curated a list of books to inspire your next adventure. We’ve found that living on or owning a sailboat is just a small part of what makes the boating life so epic.

Even if you’re not fully diving into a life at sea, these books touch on the elements that make sailing and taking your boat to the next destination incredibly cool. From surfing, beachcombing, and discovering new beach animals to learning food preservation skills for the boat kitchen, and mastering the nitty-gritty of sailing, weather, and boat maintenance, these are some of our favorite picks.

As a family, we’ve also noticed a lack of resources specifically for kids and teens about sailing and the adventure it embodies. That’s why we’ve included age-appropriate books for them, filled with thrilling adventures that will make them excited to explore the sea.

Best Books About Sailing for Kids

Sailing for Kids

Sailing for Kids is designed for children aged 8-15 who are beginning their sailing journey, with color photographs and diagrams that make it an ideal introduction to the sport. Focused on the Optimist dinghy, it covers essential topics like what to wear, setting up the boat, sailing, and safety, along with tips on sailing faster and preparing for races. Endorsed by the UK Optimist Class Association, it’s a comprehensive resource for young aspiring sailors and their families.

My First Book of Nautical Knots

My First Book of Nautical Knots introduces children to the art of seamanship with eighteen different knots to discover. With beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions, this book makes it easy for kids and parents to learn and master various knots, from simple ones like the figure eight to more complex ones like the slip knot. Additionally, it includes decorative knots and even gimp stitching, making it a fun and engaging activity for the whole family.

List of Books for Kids that Inspire Adventure

These books cover a range of themes from adventures and explorations to bedtime stories, making them perfect for introducing kids to the wonders of the sea and sailing.

Pirate & Captain Themes

• The Greatest Captain in the World by Johann Steinke: A fun and imaginative story about a young captain and his adventures on the high seas, encouraging kids to dream big.
• The Greatest Captain in the World Too by Johann Steinke: The sequel continues the adventures of the young captain, full of excitement and sea-faring fun.
• Pirate and Penguin by Mike Allegra: A delightful story about an unlikely friendship between a pirate and a penguin, filled with adventure and fun.

Mermaid & Princess Themes

• Umijoo by Casson Trenor: Follow Umijoo as she embarks on a magical sea adventure, discovering the wonders of the ocean and its creatures.
• Do Princesses Live in Sandcastles? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle: A whimsical tale that imagines what life would be like for princesses living by the sea in sandcastles.
• Fish Girl by Donna Jo Napoli and Rebecca Guay: A captivating graphic novel about a mermaid who discovers her true self and her place in the world.

Marine & Beach Life Themes

• Swim Through the Sea by Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini: This colorful and educational book takes children on an underwater journey, exploring different sea creatures and their habitats.
• A Sea of Colors by Kirsti Scott: A vibrant and engaging book that introduces kids to the beauty of the ocean and its colorful inhabitants.
• Good Night Whales by Adam Gamble: A soothing bedtime story that explores the lives of whales, perfect for winding down with young ocean enthusiasts.
• Little Gray’s Great Migration by Marta Lindsey: An engaging story about Little Gray’s journey through the ocean, exploring migration and sea life.
• Sea Slime by Ellen Prager: This book introduces kids to the fascinating world of sea slime and its role in the ocean ecosystem.
• A to Sea by Kirsti Scott: A fun alphabet book that takes children on a journey through the alphabet with sea glass-related words and illustrations .
• Ocean by  Britta Teckentrup: A beautifully illustrated book that explores the wonders of the ocean and its diverse ecosystems.
• Good Night Beach by Adam Gamble: A calming bedtime story that captures the serene beauty of the beach, perfect for relaxing before sleep.
• Shark Lady by Jess Keating: This inspiring biography tells the story of Eugenie Clark, a pioneering marine biologist who changed perceptions of sharks and proved women can excel in science.

Best Books About Sailing for Teens

A Thousand Flying Fish

A Thousand Flying Fish is a must-read to get your teen excited about the incredible experiences that await on the open water. Written by a teenage author (our daughter) who sailed from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to the stunning islands of French Polynesia, this book is packed with exciting encounters, from endless seas and fascinating sea creatures to intense storms. Addison Renee’s journey is not just about the thrill of sailing but also about discovering inner strength and resilience, especially as she navigates her own challenges with Tourette Syndrome.

True Spirit

True Spirit is an inspiring read for teens gearing up for a sailing adventure. It tells the true story of Jessica Watson, an Australian teenager who sailed solo around the world at 16. Despite facing gale-force winds, hazardous icebergs, and extreme loneliness, her determination and resilience shine through. This book will motivate your teen to embrace their own adventures with courage and confidence.

List of Books for Teens that Inspire Adventure

• The Wanderer by Sharon Creech: This Newbery Honor-winning book tells the story of a young girl named Sophie who sets sail across the Atlantic with her family, facing challenges and discovering herself along the way.
• Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry: This classic novel follows the story of a Polynesian boy named Mafatu who overcomes his fear of the sea and proves his bravery on a solo voyage.
• Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis: Part of the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series, this book takes readers on an epic sea journey with the characters exploring unknown lands and facing fantastical challenges.
• Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World by Jane Yolen: This book offers thrilling tales of real-life women pirates, providing a historical perspective on the adventurous lives of female seafarers.
• Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome: This classic series follows a group of children on their sailing adventures during the summer holidays, fostering a love for exploration and the sea.
• The Black Pearl by Scott O’Dell: A thrilling tale of a young boy’s adventures in the world of pearl diving and pirates, perfect for young readers fascinated by maritime tales.

Best Books About Sailing for Family’s

Voyaging With Kids – A Guide to Family Life Afloat

Voyaging With Kids is comprehensive guide is perfect for families planning to embark on a sailing voyage, specifically covering the dynamics of sailing with kids. It provides practical advice on choosing the right boat, keeping children safe and entertained, and addressing the changing needs of kids as they grow. With insights from three experienced authors and contributions from other cruising parents, it also includes a bonus chapter on the long-term effects of a sea-bound lifestyle and a detailed appendix of valuable resources.

Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling 

Wonder Year is a super helpful book for families considering full-time travel, providing invaluable guidance for getting started and sustaining the lifestyle beyond just sailing. Part inspiration and part how-to, this book demystifies long-term family travel and worldschooling, with practical tips on funding, logistics, education methods, and income generation. We were interviewed for this book and shared insights on boat life, filling a crucial gap in understanding the realities of this adventurous lifestyle.

Best Books About Sailing for Cooking and Food Preservation

The Boat Galley Cookbook

The Boat Galley Cookbook is a must-have resource for those planning to embark on a sailing voyage, specifically addressing the unique challenges of cooking on a boat. This book covers everything from space constraints and limited access to groceries to adapting recipes and making your own essentials like sour cream and yogurt. With over 800 recipes and practical tips on preparing meals in a tiny, moving kitchen, it ensures you can eat well while enjoying all the great aspects of cruising.

The Farmhouse Culture Guide to Fermenting

The Farmhouse Culture Guide to Fermenting is perfect for those embarking on a sailing voyage, particularly addressing the unique needs of preserving food on the go. This authoritative yet easy-to-use guide provides the history, health benefits, and safest methods for fermentation, along with 100 recipes for krauts, pickles, kimchi, hot sauces, kombucha, mead, and more. With trusted authors Kathryn Lukas and Shane Peterson, this book is a vital resource for maintaining gut health and boosting immunity while at sea.

Storing Food Without Refrigeration

Storing Food Without Refrigeration is an essential guide for those planning a sailing voyage, specifically addressing how to store and prepare food without a refrigerator. Written by an experienced sailor, this book provides techniques for washing, storing, treating, and cooking food to maximize flavor and usability. Perfect for boaters, hikers, and campers, it offers practical advice on maintaining home-cooked meals without the need for power-hungry refrigeration, making it ideal for anyone with limited space or living off the grid.

The Tiny Kitchen Cookbook

The Tiny Kitchen Cookbook is an ideal resource for those planning a sailing voyage, offering strategies for cooking in small spaces, such as boat kitchens. Chef Annie Mahle, who developed these 50 favorite recipes as a galley chef aboard the J&E Riggin windjammer, shares her expertise in maximizing efficiency and versatility with minimal equipment. From breakfast options to stovetop meals and make-ahead desserts, this book provides delicious, attainable recipes along with tips for smart storage and efficient food prep, perfect for anyone cooking in a small kitchen on the water.

Best Books About Sailing Epic Adventures

Sailing Alone Around the World

Joshua Slocum sailed around the world alone by himself after restoring the derelict sloop Spray. The book is about his journey and was a huge hit globally, this book has influenced us to “follow that dream”. 

We, the Navigators: The Ancient Art of Landfinding in the Pacific

I found this book while researching the polynesian navigation techniques when doing research for our sailing trip to French Polynesia. The author does many trips with polynesian navigators and he explains what Te Lapa is in this book. We, the Navigators book takes you back to the renaissance days of seafaring with no instruments and how they used stars, swell patterns and animals to determine where they were located. 

Two Girls Two Catamarans 

As we own and finished building a Wharram Catamaran I had to include this book from James Wharram. He highlights his trip on a back yard built catamaran named “Tangaroa” which was The first multihull two-way Atlantic crossing in the world. James is a boat desinger, builder, sailor and hippy vagabond and writer of Two Girls Two Catamarans. 

Sailing Books to Read at Anchor or at Home

A Voyage for Madmen

A Voyage for Madmen takes place in 1968, when nine men set out to attempt the impossible race around the world. This race became known as the Golden Globe Race. It was the first of its kind. Peter Nichols tells the story of the first solo, non-stop, unassisted yacht race around the world. 

Aubrey & Maturin Series

Master and Commander is the first book in the series. Patrick O’Brian’s series consist of 20 novels and is regarded by many as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. If you are looking for a long series to keep you busy for the fall and winter months this would be a perfect buy as it takes place during the Napoleonic Wars and the turn of century. 

Moby Dick 

Moby Dick also known as The Whale,  was written by Herman Melville. This is a famous book for many reasons including writing style and character development. If you love movies and want to watch the latest movie about Moby-Dick you have to watch “In the Heart of the Sea”. 

Best Books About Sailing for How To’s and Instructional Tips

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship by John Rousmaniere is one of the gold standard books you can have on your boat to help refresh your knowledge or help educate new sailors and crew. It provides a wealth of information for seasoned sailor and novice sailors.  

ASA 103 Costal Cruising Made Easy

The ASA books are the learning material for the American Sailing Association (ASA) courses to receive your sailing certificates. These books are great for new combers. This book teaches the basics of sailing including what nautical miles are, all the way up to offshore sailing. 

Storm Tactics Handbook: Modern Methods of Heaving-to for Survival in Extreme Conditions

I was given this book by another sailor that moved to a power boat while in the Puget Sound. I highly recommend reading this book if you plan to do any offshore sailing. Larry Pardey explains the differences between sea anchors and drogues.

They highlight a specific incident where they were overtaken by a tropical storm on a small boat in the Indian Ocean. They deployed a sea anchor and hove to in the godforsaken sea and managed to live to tell the story.  

The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging Hardcover

Brian Toss explains many things in this book to help you maintain and service white sails along with running and standing rigging. He explains rigging from the tall ship era to modern sheet lines of today. This book is really handy for repairs or servicing your sailboat rigging. 

Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual (fourth edition) by Nigel Calder 

I have used this book pretty extensively when building our Sailboat while in the Puget Sound. It helped me design and implement a good electrical system to get us to the Sea of Cortez, where are catamaran resides now. 

Best Books About Sailing for Weather and Routing 

World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell

World Cruising Routes is on its 9th edition and I have flipped through different versions throughout the years. The pilot charts are a bit more helpful to me at this stage in our cruising life. The World Cruising Routes and the accompanied pilot charts will help you decided where to go and when for your future endevours. You really need both to make sound decisions when planning for the next season of cruising. 

Atmospheric Science, Second Edition: An Introductory Survey (International Geophysics) 2nd Edition

Weather is a huge part of sailing and navigating a vessel. This is a book I used in college to achieve my degree in Meterology. It explains in great detail many concepts along with including many high quality colored images. 

Aviation Weather Handbook

This free material from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is a great resource for general meteorology information and more aviation specific information. This is one of the biggest resources I have ever seen that is free to the public here. If you don’t know where to start learning the science of meteorology I suggest starting here because it is a really in depth resource that is absolutely free. You can get the book in color on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this curated list of inspiring sailing books, we hope you’ve found a few gems to fuel your next adventure. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just dreaming of life on the open water, these books offer something for everyone!

From practical guides on seamanship and cooking aboard to thrilling tales of maritime exploration and discovery. And for those sailing with family, we’ve included some fantastic reads for kids and teens to get them just as excited about the journey. Dive into these pages and let them inspire your next voyage across the waves.

If you have any favorite books that we missed in this list, let us know the comments so we can add them! Happy reading and smooth sailing!