I write a lot – it’s my day job. And I read a lot. Consequently, I read a lot about sailing and sailboat restoration. I’ve learned a lot of what I know from reading and then backing it up with my own real-world experience. Sharing those experiences is at the core of this blog. In my book (pun intended), book knowledge alone isn’t worth the paper its printed on. Like they say, that and $4 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

But discovering the hard-won wisdom of others who have gone the same way before us and applying it in our own lives is just plain smart. There are times to pave your own way but more often than not, following in someone else’s footsteps is a lot easier. When it comes to sailing and working on my sailboat, I’m not very interested in being a pioneer. I just want to have fun with it. Enough philosophizing.

Why I believe you can trust me

Everybody on the Internet is a critic these days, it seems. What makes me any different? I’ll give you a bit about my background, for what it’s worth.

I’ve written professionally for many years and I’ve edited other authors. I was once a regular contributor to a major trade magazine, writing cover articles. My own books (not about sailboats) were on the shelves at Barnes & Noble years ago and you can find them on Amazon if you know what to look for. My magnum opus is now ranked #8,710,503. Impressive, huh? That and $5 will get me a latte at Starbucks. I say all that not to toot my own horn (well, maybe a little) but because I believe I’m qualified to write these reviews, so I’m asking you to trust them.

I want you to know that these reviews are the real deal. I won’t review a book or product that I haven’t personally purchased and used myself without telling you so. I promise to be honest and tell you the bad and the good about each one and let you decide for yourself.

I hope you enjoy these reviews and they help you discover new ways (and old) to enjoy sailing and your sailboat more.