I have just started this publishing venture, having moved to New Zealand a couple of years ago from the UK.  Before embarking on various ventures involving remote and dilapidated houses I had a reasonably successful spell as a writer of yachting books and magazine articles.

On emptying boxes here I found a couple of unpublished projects, and decided that technology had now progressed to the point where I could publish them myself.  So here they are.  I alone am publisher, editor, author, website designer, vehicle mender, log cutter, animal feeder, lawn mower, leak fixer and general factotum.

My first book is a fairy tale called The 7 Gifts.  I wrote this many years ago and it was turned down by a number of publishers on the grounds that it was – “too unusual – we cannot categorise it and thus calculate the profit”.  Oh dear.

Finally it went into the back of the cupboard, despite the comments of one well-known London publisher, and a number of acquaintances in the business.  Read it – see what you think. I am also writing some articles from time to time, about various things – see sidebar and top of the page.

SleepyJohn

My Yachting Books

Cruising – a skipper’s guide

Handling under sail and power, boat preparation, passage making and crew dynamics. This book explains not just how to handle the boat but how to handle the crew – a more formidable task, and one that is rarely discussed properly in books.

A Small Boat Guide to The Rules of The Road

In today’s crowded waters a good working knowledge of the collision regulations is vital to everyone who takes a boat to sea. The rules themselves can be difficult to learn and understand, but they are presented in a new, easily-absorbed form. This book is a breakthrough in learning the Rules of the Road.

Logbook for Cruising under Sail

This sailor’s logbook has received a makeover.  Redesigned to appeal to the modern sailor, it is fun to use, designed to last a full season and the perfect gift for anyone passionate about sailing.  The new design allows space for electronic navigation information and for narrative and it doubles as a visitors’ book.