(and a few more for good measure)

I don’t consider myself a judgmental person per se… but when I step aboard another vessel, I can’t help but glance at the ship’s library. Books tell you a lot about a sailor—whether they lean toward self-improvement, practical manuals, humor, or (after my own heart) the thrill of a Stephen King novel on a quiet night at anchor.

When it comes to sailing and cruising, though, I believe there are a few timeless sailing books that every vessel should carry. These aren’t just for show; they’re resources, companions, and, at times, lifelines. Here are 10 essential books I think every sailor should keep aboard—plus a few “bonus reads” for when the seas are calm and you’re ready for something fun.

1. Storm Tactics by Lin and Larry Pardey

The Pardey’s are a staple aboard any vessel – with multiple decades of experience, they are essentially the god parents of modern day cruising and adventuring aboard boats. They paved the way and learned the hard lessons so we could learn from them. Storm Tactics is a masterclass in heavy-weather seamanship. The Pardey’s share tried-and-true techniques for surviving the storms we hope never to meet but must always be prepared for. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

2. The Boat Galley Cookbook by Carolyn Shearlock and Jan Irons

Because good food keeps morale afloat. This cookbook is designed specifically for small galleys, with practical recipes that use what you actually have on board. This cookbook was written by sailors with sailors in mind – I cannot tell you how many times this book saved my butt when we were anchored far away from a store and I had to improvise a rec ipe or pivot entirely. Before my friend crossed the Pacific, I took his copy of this book and book marked all of the most important pages (IMO) to help keep him fed while single handing. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

3. Sailing a Serious Ocean by John Kretschmer

John’s tales blend wisdom and adventure. It’s half seamanship guide, half armchair passage-making—perfect for inspiration and preparation. Chris loves this book, and although some of the scenes Kretschmer paints with words in the pages makes me a bit queasy, I am in awe of the way this book evokes such visceral emotion. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

4. Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual by Nigel Calder

The Bible of boat maintenance. If something breaks (and it will), this book can save you time, money, and plenty of swear words. We have a well-worn copy aboard Avocet, and have picked up a few at marine consignment shops to gift our friends. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

5. The Care and Feeding of Sailing Crew by Lin Pardey

Another Pardey classic, Lin balances practical tips with philosophy—covering provisioning, planning, and the psychology of keeping a crew happy at sea. It goes hand in hand with the Boat Galley Cookbook, providing real life experience and recipes. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

6. Chapman Piloting & Seamanship by Chapman & Jonathan Eaton

A true classic. Recognized as essential by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Chapman is an indispensable and practical resource for all boaters. Its comprehensive content, including knot tying techniques and sailing knots, sailing alone, and even sailboat rigging, makes it an invaluable addition to any sailor’s library. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

7. How to Sail Around the World by Hal Roth

 More than 35 years ago, Hal Roth quit his job as a journalist and went sailing. Since then, he’s logged more than 200,000 sea miles. Along the way, Roth also has authored eight voyaging classics, including the 1978 bestseller After 50,000 Miles. Taking that book as its starting point, this handsome new volume incorporates the new technologies and discoveries of the last quarter century along with another 150,000 miles of experience. Another practical, adventurous, and inspiring guide for anyone with circumnavigation dreams. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

8. World Cruising Handbook by Jimmy Cornell

Just as the Pardey’s are the god parents of cruising, Cornell is the godfather of cruising guides. This book helps you prepare for passages and understand the world’s great cruising grounds. It is a staple aboard cruising boats, and provides a wealth of knowledge. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

9. The Voyager’s Handbook by Beth Leonard

This inspirational and comprehensive manual leads you step by step through every aspect of choosing, planning, and following the voyager’s life. Using three example boats representing three cruising lifestyles―Simplicity, Moderation, and Highlife―Beth Leonard helps make your bluewater dreams come true, whether you’re sailing on a shoestring or a CEO’s pension. Beth tackles the nuts and bolts of long-term voyaging—budgeting, outfitting, and mindset. One of the best planning guides ever written, in my opinion. Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

10. The Cost-Conscious Cruiser by Lin & Larry Pardey

Cruising may seem expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. This book is a reality check on how to make cruising affordable without sacrificing the dream – and who better to tell the tale than Lin and Larry Pardey? Click Here to Add it to Your Library!

Bonus Reads for Downtime

Not every book aboard needs to be a manual. Some should simply feed the soul, spark laughter, or remind you why you set sail in the first place.

• Bull Canyon by Lin Pardey — A hilarious land-based memoir about building a house while dreaming of the sea.

• Cape Horn and Beyond by Lin Pardey — Lin’s latest, filled with tales of adventure at the edge of the world.

• Swell by Captain Liz Clark — Surfing, sailing, and self-discovery at its finest. One of my absolute favorites! I remember listening to the audiobook and crying at some points while varnishing Avocet’s stateroom.

• Poop, Booze, and Bikinis by Ed Robinson — My husband and I listened to the audiobook before buying Avocet and laughed the whole way through.

• Bumfuzzle: Just Out Looking for Pirates — A lighthearted, modern cruising tale that reminds you perfection isn’t required to chase the dream.

• Sailing fiction & fantasy: Authors like Liz Alden and Liz Shipton are writing fresh, imaginative takes on life at sea.

Final Thoughts

A boat’s library doesn’t have to be extensive, but it should be intentional. The right books can teach, entertain, and even save your hide when Neptune throws you a curveball. So next time someone steps aboard Avocet and scans our bookshelf, I hope they’ll see a collection that reflects not just who we are, but where we’ve been—and where we dream of going.

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