John sailed around Cape Horn literally the day I was born - January 25, 1984 - and he's recently been a mentor of mine. All of his books are on this list, but this is a good technical one mixed with storytelling like only he can, to get you started.

An awesome technical book for ideas to fiddle with the boat, but also a great rainy-day read, as Mate is hilarious in his descriptions! One that permanently occupies bookshelf space on our boat.

This is another that occupies permanent space onboard. Brion Toss, master rigger (and podcast guest!), put together this two-parter on rig design and practical rigging solutions. Need to learn a splice? It's probably in here. We re-designed Arcturus' rig based on ideas from this book. A must-have for any sailor.

Yet another in the permanent onboard library. A traditional manual on all-things sails, from design and construction to proper repairs. Fascinating read!

The book I learned celestial from in one of John Kretschmer's workshops, and the book I now teach my own workshops from! The easiest way to learn celestial, bar none, and a great reference to keep onboard the boat.

John Rousmaniere is a legend in the sailing world (and another podcast guest!), and his book, in it's 4th edition, is one I recommend most to new sailors and old hands looking to improve their technical skills. 

The incredible story of of when whole countries fought for the high seas, and finding accurate time - the ingredient needed to get longitude with celestial navigation - was the scientific challenge of the day.

The publication I use for celestial navigation. Buy from mdnautical.com, an awesome little commercial shipping store in the port of Baltimore and very worth a visit. Obviously buy the correct year!

You'll need all three volumes, but these are the easiest and fastest way to reduce celestial sights, and what is referenced in the 'Nutshell' book featured on this page. You can download these free from the government here, but they're much easier to use in paperback format.

Thanks to Nelson Pidgeon for reminding me that this should be on everyone's boat! I think I have three copies - one on the boat, one in Sweden and one in Annapolis!