You Can Steer a Tall Ship

Ben Lowings

Sarantes Press

£9.99

Rather a clever idea – to produce a pocket introduction to the intricacies of sailing a square-rigged ship, for enthusiastic amateurs who might volunteer as crew or book a holiday on board. Ben Lowings is writing from direct experience so knows how to keep it simple. Or, at least, as simple as it can be to read, rather than to watch and do. First comes an imagined tour of the deck and rig, teaching the names and positioning of major components and starting to visualise work aloft. Then an imagined trick at the wheel, under instruction of course.  

It’s an informative read, capturing something of the physicality of the work and the music of a tall ship underway.