Flirting with Mermaids: The Unpredictable Life of a Sailboat Delivery Skipper - Softcover

Kretschmer Author, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1574091646 ISBN 13: 9781574091649

Publisher: Sheridan House, 2003

Synopsis

The adventure-laden tales of a sailboat delivery skipper, in his own words. Consistently captivating, John Kretschmer's stories are alternately funny and harrowing.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"As a professional delivery captain, John Kretschmer has done more offshore passagemaking in his first 40 years than most serious sailors do in a lifetime. Part romantic, part poet, part philosopher and 100% optimist, Kretschmer shows his uncanny ability to deliver the wrong yacht in the wrong direction across the wrong ocean at the wrong time of year time and time again, yet end every delivery with the boat safely in port, a smile on his face, good friends at his side, and a few dollars in his pocket. A great story of adventure well-told with warm humor and affection." - Milt Baker, Bluewater Books & Charts

"John Kretschmer is a superb seaman, a master story teller, and a delivery skipper of vast experience. His tales of tropical passages and Atlantic gales, of near sinkings and quirky owners will appeal to anyone who dreams of far horizons and tropical beaches. He has written a book of rollicking humor and abundant common sense that any sailor will find hard to put down." - Brian Fagan, author, archaeologist, and sailor

"Not only has John Kretschmer lived a life wildly festooned with adventure, romance and outrageous characters - his reality outstrapping our most Walter Mittyesque sea fantasies - now he has gone and turned it all into a collection of yarns that incite yet more envy among those of us stuck behind landbound computers.

"Not only can the sailor sail - through hurricanes and civil wars - but the sailor can write. It's a hell of a read. It's just not fair." - Fred Grimm, Miami Herald columnist

"Flirting with Mermaids follows John as he delivers a variety of boats around the world, from aging hulks with a fondness for the bottom to luxury yachts owned by would-be circumnavigators. While he's doing this, with a conscripted crew of friends, relatives, his wife, and total strangers found holding empty glasses at beach bars, he's also learning about navigating the uncharted territory of his heart.

"The glamorous life of a professional sailor? Here's the straight story, with humor, salty adventures, and a steep learning curve." - Gregory O. Jones, editor, Sailing magazine

About the Author:

John Kretschmer has been a sailboat delivery skipper for over 25 years and has made over 100 deliveries. He is the author of Cape Horn to Starboard and Used Boat Notebook and has had articles published in numerous boating and travel magazines. He is a contributing editor to 'Sailing' and currently lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with his wife Lesa and their two daughters.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sheridan House
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1574091646
• ISBN 13: 9781574091649
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 218