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Coast of Summer

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The New England coast, a small cruising sloop, warm winds—and Anthony Bailey's seductive storytelling powers. An account of a season afloat and an autobiography of half a lifetime spent sailing New England waters.

358 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

5 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Larry Bailey

23 books

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5 stars
22 (36%)
4 stars
28 (45%)
3 stars
7 (11%)
2 stars
4 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
10 reviews
May 6, 2021
I enjoyed the book, it sounds like a fun way to spend a summer! Makes me want to get out on the water.
Profile Image for Jane Hanser.
Author 3 books17 followers
August 3, 2020
Did I not post my review? I took this book out of the library simply because I loved the cover (NOT the cover that shows up in this Goodreads, but the blue and white cover with the big sailboat splashed all over it.) My husband and I took turns reading it aloud to each other. We fell in love with this book. the writing is great, the story is great, the pace is great, the author (and his wife) are great, the book has amazing detail about the little unknown history of places, and most of all you fall in love with Lochinvar. Lochinvar is the hero, a character forever in your mind. Read this book, and if you’d like, read this book with somebody you like!
Profile Image for Lena.
75 reviews
June 12, 2021
Really lovely book. Only thing missing is a chart of the various locations that he describes.
Profile Image for Rich Connors.
28 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2024
A very relaxing an enjoyable read, particularly if you are familiar with this part of the New England coastline. Lots of great ideas & inspiration for your next nautical adventure too.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,269 reviews208 followers
February 13, 2015
The Coast of Summer
Excited to learn that in this book about sailing the coast of New England that the author also stops at the island my mom and dad lived in the RI area.
Liked hearing of the landmarks one sees from the water as we know them from the landside. Island hopping at its best.
What adventures! Love the tour of all the islands and what makes each special for fresh seafood, people met along the way, seashelling or just day tripping.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
98 reviews
March 25, 2024
Anthony Bailey was a great storyteller and that skill mixed with his love and knowledge of sailing and the world of the sea makes for a great read! It was undoubtedly more interesting to me because I now live on the Long Island Sound and the sailing I've managed to do in my life is enough to whet my appetite to do more. I constantly referred to the map as he and his wife, Margot, sailed from Stonington, Ct. through the waters surrounding Cape Cod and to a glossary of sailing terms as he spoke the language of sailors. Great adventures!
1 review
August 8, 2013
This is a book that I keep on my shelf and take it down every spring to prepare for the coming summer. As cruising narratives go, this is not a page turner, jumping from one death defying moment to the next, rather it is very well written celebration of the experience of being afloat. This genre is normally populated by adventurers trying to write, but Mr. Bailey represents a writer sharing his adventures.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
508 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2008
Since I sail in Buzzard's Bay and Vineyard Sound this memoir of the Bailey's sailing life appealed to me. I know too well the challenges of getting a boat ready for a cruising vacation. I am familiar with many of the ports they visited and enjoyed reading about their experiences. I would recommend it to those who love spending time on the water, particularly in New England.
310 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2016
Anthony Bailey sure knows how to write a great story! He is the type of writer you would enjoy traveling with or having a long dinner chat with! I have never travelled the areas covered in the book, but I sure feel like I have now been there! Great read, highly recommended!
Profile Image for Care.
603 reviews148 followers
June 16, 2009
menhaden p?, p. 57 - ref to NovaScotia and Lisbon, p 63 vernissages & caiques
Profile Image for Sandra.
3 reviews
November 7, 2011
An absolutely delighful book - more so, if you enjoy sailing or any kind of boating. One of the few books on my shelf that I've read over and over.
287 reviews
September 5, 2012
The perfect companion for long winter nights, dreaming of sailing the New England coast.
59 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2014
Sometimes tedious, sometimes entertaining read about cruising on their sailboat off New England waters.
43 reviews
October 4, 2022
If you have sailed the area it is a memory filled must read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews