Customer Reviews

Cruising World Yarns

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My husband and I always read Capt. Fatty's Cruising World essays and articles first, before we even flip through the magazine, because he gets us laughing so hard our guts hurt and tears roll down our face. The way Capt. Fatty loves his life and his wife, it's an attitude we appreciate. We enjoy reading of their adventures and misadventures, they make us laugh and save us some trouble! So when we saw he had books, we bought the whole collection to read while on our own boating vacation in the Caribbean. They turned out to be one part education , and just incredible inspiration on what TO do, not just with the boat, but with the whole life. What I love about Capt. Fatty is that he is a character who lives and learns.The joy of reading the whole collection of Fatty Goodlander isn't just the practical sailing information, it's the story of human growth, with accolades to the aspiring hippy in all of us. Where have all the flower children gone? Well, at least two have evolved and matured, while never letting going of the values of freedom, peace and love. We want to go where Fatty and Carolyn are, to live an honest life in a boat that is in constant motion, slowly circumnavigating again.

I had the good fortune to meet Carolyn and Fatty at a boat show in Oakland CA and found that he writes just as he speaks. When he shares tales of adventures on Wild Card it feels as if he's talking to YOU personally. His enthusiasm for a life dedicated to freedom is contagious. His respect for other cultures is inspiring. In "Yarns" the stories go from hilarious to hair-raising and are accessible to anyone with an adventurous tendency, sailor or not. I am thankful that Carolyn and Fatty are out there serving as de facto Ambassadors for Americans and Yachties. They do us proud.

Fatty is a story teller first and foremost. His articles and this book keep us motivated to finish our old boat refit for our upcoming cruise. He is so much more than a travel log or "how to" writer. His adventures and misadventures are true to life and usually have plenty of humor. Most of all his stories bring his cruising life to a point that crusing sailors and would be cruising sailors can relate to. It is as though your long time friend is relating his experience to you.

This book is a delight for many reasons. First, it enables us dreamers and arm-chair sailors to journey to exotic spots. One learns about the joys and pitfalls of circumnavigation. Gary and his wife Carolyn are a true inspiration of coupleship and how one can actually live the life uncommon. I love reading the stories aloud to my partner at bedtime. Our imagination is stoked and we are inspired to step outside the box of conventional reality, and soon!! We feel a huge appreciation for what they are doing and how they are doing it.

In this book, Capt. Fatty Goodlander's collected articles from Cruising World prove that living the life of a cruising sailor can be enchanting to anyone who loves stories about boats and the sea. His writing prowess is equally matched with a salty sprinkling of how-to-advice, Zen witticisms, and tales that will leave you breathless. If you happen to be a mush like me, his enthusiasm for life and his love for his wife will fill you with tender awe. Around and around the world they sail, sharing a bliss that makes him the envy of us all. I highly recommend this book. I give it to friends. I read it again and again.

While I will admit that as you read his various books, some stories, anecdotes and other small details are repeated. Still, I have very much enjoyed reading each in its own way. I chose this one to specifically review since it is one of the better tales of circumnavigation, told through a series of essays. Among his other books, Red Sea Run is excellent, Chasing the Horizon is a must.

I purchased this book for my Kindle while my husband, son and I were recently sailing near Turkey. I was hooked by the introduction, and the rest of the book certainly did not disappoint. I laughed out loud, cried and lived vicariously through Fatty's tales. His stories are inspirational and entertaining. I even learned a few tips of the trade, and got a big dose of wisdom from his and Carolyn's attitudes towards love, people and freedom.

I highly recommend this book to anyone - sailors and landlubbers alike. You won't regret reading it. I can't wait to start reading some of Fatty's other books...

If you like boats and crazies then you'll love Fatty and his tales! I've known him since the 70's when we were in the V.I. and he is one amazing dude (and has a fabulous wife and daughter too, lucky fellow). He is the most unique guy I have ever met afloat and a self-taught writer who knows his stuff. He makes you laugh and enjoy being alive. If you like the sea, you'll love FATTY! He is on his 2nd circumnavigation and can be found on Facebook and Cruising World. Happy sails to you, Gabrielle Thompson