Books by Des Sleightholme

A collection of Des Sleightholme's observations on the nautical scene, this book includes the bloody-mindedness of marine engines, the dubious pleasures of sailing on a spring tide, skippers, launching, and novice crew. It contains several cartoon illustrations.

In this follow-up to the bestseller, A Funny Old Life", Des Sleightholme returns with further yarns about the hilarious happenings throughout his life."

In this collection of observations on the sailing scene, Sleightholme attacks pomposity with gusto, taking the mickey out of everything and everybody afloat. He handles, with pitiless relish, such topics as leaking boats, dragging anchor, the charm of twin keels, Fastnet Race, chartering and of course going aloft.

Des Sleightholme, former Editor of Yachting Monthly" for many years, is well known for his irreverent outlook on the Establishment and for his unfailing eye for the funny side of things; here he takes on a hilarious anecdotal romp through his sailing life."

This account gives a vivid picture of the romance and realism of coastal trade, initially in a schooner, then in Thames spiritsail sailing barges before and during the war. The author tells of the havoc wrought by barges caught out in severe gales and the hazards of plying trade in wartime.

Two hundred and forty-odd pieces of cruising lore which will make your voyage easier, safer and more fun.

This humorous text seeks to introduce the newcomer to the joys of cruising, explaining how to go about choosing a boat, what is likely to happen on your first time out, coping with tides, knots and etiquette, and how to behave in marinas.