by Dave Selby

The author has been a columnist in national papers and has written seven books on motoring and writes a monthly sailing column in Practical Boat Owner. This is a collection of Dave’s columns from that magazine and as any fan of the author would probably guess, a book by him will not make you a better sailor or provide any instruction on boat maintenance. But it will entertain! His light but observational writings tap the rich well of all those things that sailors know, but few dare admit. There are no ingenious top tips here, just a collection of anecdotes that will hit a nerve with sailors everywhere. Themes included are; first attempts at sailing - how not to sail single-handed - mysteries of maintenance - how not to sail with a dog - the impenetrable mysteries of navigation and weather - how not to race. The Impractical Boat Owner is an antidote to all that’s written about expensive shiny new yachts, self-improvement, the quest for qualifications and practical skills.