Saturday, July 9, 2011

the coast of summer


I'm rereading The Coast of Summer, Sailing New England Waters from Shelter Island to Cape Cod.


It is the most gentle of cruising books.  Anthony Bailey and his wife Margot, who live in England, come to the US each summer to sail Long Island Sound and Cape Cod on their Tartan 27 "Lochinvar".  Care free days, relaxed sails, faltering winds, good friends, quaint towns along the way - it is my kind of sailing.  The book is the story of one summer's sail.  Mixed in with Bailey's description of the trip are the history and geography of the area, stories of past cruises and anecdotes of an interesting life.  The writing is beautiful, just what you would expect from a long time staff writer for The New Yorker.

If I was a writer, that is the kind of writer I would like to be.  If I wrote a book, this is the kind of book I would like to write.

steve

---------

Just heard on the stereo......

"I want justice, but I'll settle for some mercy."  

                                                                                                                              - Kris Kristofferson

5 comments:

Darwin said...

Steve: I know the book nor the author, and unfortunately did not speak and / or read English, I lose a lot of literature in Spanish is poor and I think any cruise in small boats, but I say and I think many fans I support the blog that you are a "writer" and actually writes the way I like to write the authors of the books I read or would read!
Regards, Darwin
I hope you understand the concept, remember to write in Spanish and use the translator!

Dale Warren said...

I love that book. I've read it multiple times, usually twice a year. On my bucket list is to make that same voyage. (sans hurricane)

Steve said...

That area is on my list too.

steve

Unknown said...

I've read it twice. You described it perfectly...very good writing about a very low key month aboard

Bill said...

Seems to me you are a writer, based on what you do here.

Why not go ahead and write that book? You've certainly got the photographic chops to go with it.