Atlantic High
A Celebration
by William F. Buckley, Jr.
Doubleday, 1982
Comments: Many years ago when I was learning to sail I developed a keen interest in non-fiction sailing stories. One of the writers I discovered came as somewhat of a surprise, since his reputation was well established in a very different field, but it turned out that William F. Buckley, Jr. was actually an accomplished sailer who had written several books on the subject. Though I had little interest in his politics, I found Buckley's writing about sailing to be quite engaging.
This book is primarily an account of a transatlantic crossing Buckley made in 1980 with a group of close friends aboard a 71-foot boat named Sealestial. Typical of his other sailing books, the story covers a great deal of nautical minutia about cruising that is quite enjoyable for enthusiasts, as well as character studies of the various crew and their behaviors over the extended period at sea. There is little in the way of survival drama, with the expedition unfolding with workmanlike efficiency in generally agreeable weather, but there are the usual touches of Buckley's subtle humor on topics such as the importance of air conditioning and ice machines. On the whole this is a very enjoyable read for anyone with an interest in cruising, but be forewarned, with Buckley you will definitely need a dictionary handy.
Copy Notes: I first read Atlantic High over 25 years ago as a paperback, but thoroughly enjoyed reading it again recently when I found this first edition hardback. The book includes numerous photographs that greatly enhance the story.
A Celebration
by William F. Buckley, Jr.
Doubleday, 1982
Comments: Many years ago when I was learning to sail I developed a keen interest in non-fiction sailing stories. One of the writers I discovered came as somewhat of a surprise, since his reputation was well established in a very different field, but it turned out that William F. Buckley, Jr. was actually an accomplished sailer who had written several books on the subject. Though I had little interest in his politics, I found Buckley's writing about sailing to be quite engaging.
This book is primarily an account of a transatlantic crossing Buckley made in 1980 with a group of close friends aboard a 71-foot boat named Sealestial. Typical of his other sailing books, the story covers a great deal of nautical minutia about cruising that is quite enjoyable for enthusiasts, as well as character studies of the various crew and their behaviors over the extended period at sea. There is little in the way of survival drama, with the expedition unfolding with workmanlike efficiency in generally agreeable weather, but there are the usual touches of Buckley's subtle humor on topics such as the importance of air conditioning and ice machines. On the whole this is a very enjoyable read for anyone with an interest in cruising, but be forewarned, with Buckley you will definitely need a dictionary handy.
Copy Notes: I first read Atlantic High over 25 years ago as a paperback, but thoroughly enjoyed reading it again recently when I found this first edition hardback. The book includes numerous photographs that greatly enhance the story.
