Jimmy Cornell is the great reference point for ocean sailing of our time, having sailed around the world several times and having traveled and explored the most remote places, from Antarctica to the Northwest Passage. Jimmy Cornell’s “World Cruising Routes: 1,000 Sailing Routes in All Oceans of the World” is the most comprehensive guide to offshore cruising, an invaluable aid to anyone planning an extended voyage; in other words, an indispensable book for any bluewater sailor.

In 1895, Joshua Slocum, at the age of 51 and with just $1.50 in his pocket, set sail from Boston and, after several stops, completed the first solo circumnavigation of the globe by sailboat in approximately three years. This book recounts his remarkable adventure masterfully and with great humor; and it deserves a place of honor on the bookshelf of any sailor.

“Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual” by Nigel Calder is the most comprehensive and detailed manual I know of, and it has helped me maintain and improve many pieces of equipment on board. It’s an essential book to have readily available on any sailboat.

“The Long Way” by Bernard Moitessier is a book that can be read again and again, always yielding new insights. It is arguably the most inspiring book for any sailboat sailor who has the desire to explore new horizons, undertake a long voyage, or circumnavigate the globe. It is a book that should be a standard part of the library on any ocean-going sailboat.