Good Books (non-technical)
Here are some suggestions for good books involving sailing;
Pre-Sailors & Younger Juniors
- The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle (aimed at toddlers and pre-schoolers, other titles in this series)
- The Jolly Rogers & the Monster's Gold by Jonny Duddle) (the next step on in the Pirates next door stories, aimed at slightly older children, other titles in this series)
- The House That Sailed Away by Pat Hutchins (completely ridiculous plot line but funny anyway)
Older Juniors & Young Teenagers (& Adults)
- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Moonfleet by J Meade Falkner
- The Salt Stained Book Trilogy by Julia Jones (teenagers and adults - contains strong plot lines and moral dilemma)
- How to Lose a War at Sea by Phil Fawcett (teenagers and adults)
- The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers
- The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow by A.J Mackinnon (a true story & a great read)
- Gypsy Moth Circles the World by Sir Francis Chichester
Swallows & Amazons - Perhaps the most famous collection of stories about sailing adventures
- Swallows & Amazons by Arthur Ransome
- Swallowdale by Arthur Ransome
- Peter Duck by Arthur Ransome
- Winter Holiday by Arthur Ransome (good book to explain the concept of quarantine & disease control to younger children)
- Coot Club by Arthur Ransome
- Pigeon Post by Arthur Ransome
- We didn't mean to go to Sea by Arthur Ransome
- Secret Water by Arthur Ransome
- The Big Six by Arthur Ransome
- The Picts & The Martyrs by Arthur Ransome
- Missee Lee by Arthur Ransome
- Great Northern by Arthur Ransome
Last updated 20:29 on 9 March 2026