This is nice: Yachting Monthly has reviewed Old Man Sailing and called it a “word-of-mouth bestseller”.
And there’s some evidence for that: the daily sales from Amazon tend to be higher than they were a couple of months ago – with a higher proportion coming from overseas. Now a Dutch sailing magazine has asked for a review copy.
It’s all very gratifying – particularly meeting someone new and finding they’ve read it already.
This would never have happened if had been picked up by a mainstream publisher.
The latest news is that the Audible edition is nearing completion – that is to say, the narrator has recorded it and is now dealing with the inevitable glitches and corrections. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.
… at least I will if I have a mobile signal. On Ed Sheeran’s Desert Island Discs recommendation, I’m now headed for The Gambia.
Excellent book, pressie for Xmas, couldn’t put it down, finished over 3 days, good for me. I’m about the same age as John and lots of words in the book ring very true with me. A refreshing change from the usual sailing books I read. Well done, excellent, look forward to the next one. Regards Chris (UK)
Hi John. You’ll maybe recall long agos at YM, and other places, after which we lost touch. You may even remember my name! Great to know you are back doing what you do best: sailing and writing. Holed up in the Highlands in front of a wood burner. Not as warm as your volcano but safer.
Hi Adrian, Of course I remember. I’ve just spent the whole afternoon checking into The Gambia (and still haven’t finished!)
John, I have just read your book, it’s brilliant. I retired at the tender age of 66 in August 2019,and had planned to explore the Greek islands with my wife, but then instead we spent 18 months in lockdown. So congratulations on your escape, and on producing a jolly good enjoyable book. I particularly enjoyed your Laser sailing experiences, because I too suffered the injustice of always being last. My wife bought be my first Laser, which was quite old, so a couple of years later I persuaded her to let me buy a brand new Laser, as this would definitely improve my placings in races. It didn’t, and in the end I had to admit that my then 17 stone body mass was the root cause.
Good morning John, we crossed paths in Lerwick and I’d no idea I was chatting with such a famous well travelled man. I’d just like to say thanks for your time and the advice you gave me regarding my Aries wind vane. I had it working perfectly for the rest of the season all due to you. Many thanks. Really enjoying your book and enjoying the blog. I’m jealous your season is still ongoing. Fair winds. Greg
I love this guy’s book.I read old man sailing in 2 days. Wish he would post more often.
Hi john.wonderful, damp and dull here, quite envious really. Beats a bar meal at the wiffler after training eh.?
Keep safe Pete
Ah, remember The Wiffler – and those Mercure Hotel trainings with Kevin and Auntie Nellie…
…but yes, the sun is shining, the thermometer said 27C at lunchtime and 330ml of supermarket Estrella 4.3% is 16p.
(Rum’s not much more than £4 a litre either. This could all go downhill and I haven’t even got to the Caribbean yet…)
A couple of young lads from near here/Bath bought a Contessa 26 and scrounged some RYA Day Skipper Course Notes…. then headed south from L’pool, I think. Before long, they were wintering in The Gambia and had a whale of a time, by all accounts. Of source, they stayed well clear of local politics and ‘organised business’. “The locals were great”, they recounted.
Then, another ocean or two….
Fair winds and fishes!
I’m taking Will’s copy of your book home for safe keeping as we both enjoyed it. ( had hoped to ask you to sign it when at pasito blanco, but I did not see you ) at home also a friend tried to pass on to me his copy of your book I had to say I’d all ready got it !
Hi John,
The Gambia !!? Is it ? So no Xmas in UK ! I don’t blame you at all !! Bit jealous really !
Crossing after that ? Or more south like Ascension ,St Helena ,Tristan da Cunha ?
Anyway enjoy your time . God speed .
With my warmest regards
Lannigdu
Thanks. Grenada after that.