Maritime Literature: Practical Wisdom from ‘Sailing a Serious Ocean’

Lately, Kent and I have been diving into the world of maritime literature, particularly books about disasters at sea. Yes, you read that right! We’re voluntarily listening to tales of storms, shipwrecks, and the raw power of the ocean. Surprisingly, we’re not freaked out! In fact, we’re finding it incredibly insightful!

The book that has recently captivated us is John Kretschmer’s “Sailing a Serious Ocean: Sailboats, Storms, Stories and Lessons Learned from 30 Years at Sea.” John Kretschmer is a seasoned sailor with decades of experience navigating some of the world’s most challenging waters. This book is a collection of harrowing stories, packed with valuable lessons about seamanship, decision-making, and the sheer unpredictability of the ocean.

You’d think listening to tales of tempestuous seas and near-catastrophic events would send us running for the nearest cabin in the woods. Instead, we feel a strange sense of calm! 

Well here’s the deal: the allure of sailing motivates us, but ocean crossings aren’t necessarily our primary goal. The Caribbean, on the other hand, really captures our imagination, so I don’t imagine that we’d find ourselves in 30-40 foot waves out in the Atlantic. (I’m speaking for myself here! Kent may have other ideas!)

Our interest in disaster stories stems from a desire for understanding and preparation, particularly regarding the fundamentals of safe sailing. These harrowing stories feel like a form of rehearsal. Processing the challenging scenarios, considering the decisions made, and absorbing crucial lessons about safety and resourcefulness gives us a way to learn vicariously, safely, from a distance. They underscore the importance of thorough preparation, understanding weather patterns, and knowing your boat inside and out, and they highlight the necessity of good seamanship and sound judgment. 

It’s all a part of our plan!

We have a long run-up (10 years?) to learn all we can before we get there. In the meantime, we’re going to devour YouTube videos, books, podcasts, and any other resource available in order to be prepared, because adventure without a solid grounding in safety is a risk we’re not willing to take. With proper training (and a healthy dose of humility), we hope to be able to face the challenges that will inevitably come our way.

Kent and I are still learning, still preparing, and still dreaming of our future on the water. Books like Kretschmer’s are proving to be invaluable resources on this journey, offering a realistic yet inspiring glimpse into the world we aspire to join.

With that said, let’s dive into our thoughts on John Kretschmer’s “Sailing a Serious Ocean”:

Kretschmer’s book feels like sitting down with a seasoned sailor who’s seen it all and is willing to share the nitty-gritty. It’s a real look at what it means to become a boat owner and spend decades navigating the world’s oceans.

Good Storytelling

His storytelling is so engaging! He doesn’t hold back on the tough stuff – the severe storms, the unexpected hurdles, and the constant need to adapt. For those of us who’ve only imagined that kind of chaos, the raw accounts of his voyages are truly captivating. 

The Part We Really Loved: Practical Seamanship – Wisdom from Experience

Between the gripping narratives, Kretschmer weaves in valuable, practical insights into seamanship. As we navigate our own learning curve, from understanding weather patterns to mastering boat handling, it’s incredibly helpful to hear from someone with such extensive blue-water experience. For example, he delves into boat handling in heavy weather – something we have yet to experience – and various techniques that can be employed. It’s the kind of knowledge you can’t just learn from a textbook; it comes from years at sea. And the audio book sounds like someone is right there speaking to you, layin’ it out there, handing over their hard-earned wisdom!

Boat Design and Philosophy – What Makes a Boat Seaworthy?

Kretschmer shares his (strong) opinions on boat design for serious offshore cruising, and it’s clear these aren’t just theories – they’re firmly rooted in his hard-earned experience. It makes you think about the kind of vessel that can truly handle the challenges of the open ocean. His perspective adds another layer to our understanding of what makes a boat seaworthy.

Realism

One of the things we appreciated most is the realism Kretschmer brings to the table. He doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties or paint an unrealistic picture of life at sea. This aligns with our own philosophy that sailing can be a series of problems, and having the right mindset to view these as features, not bugs, is key. It’s a good reminder that while the dream of sailing is powerful, the reality requires adaptability and resilience.

Overall Impression – A Must-Read for the Sailing Enthusiast

“Sailing a Serious Ocean” isn’t just a collection of sea stories; it’s a valuable resource for anyone drawn to offshore cruising. Kretschmer’s ability to weave captivating narratives with practical wisdom makes it a book we’d recommend to:

• Aspiring and experienced blue-water sailors: The depth of his experience offers lessons for all levels.
• Anyone who enjoys adventure stories: His voyage stories are compelling.
• Those of us still learning and dreaming: It provides a realistic yet inspiring view of what’s possible.

Do you find distaster stories oddly calming? What is with that?? Let me know in the comments!

Fair winds and following seas my friends!