CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR SAILORS

Julia Jones and Toby Heppell share their pick of the best sailing books and gear to add to your Christmas wish list

- Julia Jones and Toby Heppell

MAYFLOWER

Nathaniel Philbrick, Folio Society edition

2020 will mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage from Plymouth, England, to the new Plymouth in Massachusetts. The Folio Society have reissued Nathaniel Philbrick’s prize-winning account of the Puritan settlers’ first 55 years, ending with the horrific King Philip’s War in 1675-76 and consequent slavery. The Mayflower’s crossing plays only a small part in this complex narrative. ‘Philip’ was the son of the Pokanoket sachem Massadoit whose initial protection enabled the Pilgrims to survive. Ingratitude, exploitation and racism followed, to the extent that I wish the Mayflower hadn’t left home waters.

TALES OF THREE SHIPS

Fi Jones, www.talesofthreeships.co.uk

Fi Jones and husband Chris are yachtmasters and members of the Ocean Cruising Club. This is the second of two books for young children in which Jones describes an Atlantic crossing from Spain and Gibraltar, via Madiera and the Canary Islands to Santa Lucia. Hannah Edge’s colourful illustrations are appropriately lively and there’s plenty of educational content in Jones’s doggerel verse. Every page offers potential talking points for families in a similar situation. It’s also an expression of love. So, buy this book or write your own!

THE PULL OF THE RIVER