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The Naked Sailor
2025 Best Indie Book Awards, Adventure Memoir - Winner
Captain Rob asks, "How would you like to help navigate my boat across the South China Sea?" It's euphoria and panic. Norm has never been to sea before, barely been on a boat.
The Naked Sailor is a light-hearted memoir of a naïve retiree enticed off to sea..."Don't worry, it's mostly Auto Pilot". Who knew there were pirates in paradise, earthquake tsunamis that rolled over your boat, or a new typhoon every two weeks? Who knew a jellyfish could kill you in thirty seconds or three-foot bats lived in Busuanga? Add three cranky shipmates, the CIA, a bar girl surprise, and a few jokers not playing with a full deck, and you'll agree...from the sins of Bangkok to the Great Wall of China...this trip is not your ordinary empty nester vacation. Fears and phobias nearly do him in, until he discovers 'That something magical', Call of the Sea. It is a story of introspection and self-discovery, of friendship and family. And, it's what happens when you are floating naked, contemplating the heavens above and all the perils below.
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"....an evocative Memoir....one of the best Memoirs I have read in ages." – The Book Commentary
"....a fast paced and funny Memoir. Genre; Memoir / Humour" – Independent Book Review
"...A must read to fans of charming Memoirs" – Reader's Favorite
Captain Rob asks, "How would you like to help navigate my boat across the South China Sea?" It's euphoria and panic. Norm has never been to sea before, barely been on a boat.
The Naked Sailor is a light-hearted memoir of a naïve retiree enticed off to sea..."Don't worry, it's mostly Auto Pilot". Who knew there were pirates in paradise, earthquake tsunamis that rolled over your boat, or a new typhoon every two weeks? Who knew a jellyfish could kill you in thirty seconds or three-foot bats lived in Busuanga? Add three cranky shipmates, the CIA, a bar girl surprise, and a few jokers not playing with a full deck, and you'll agree...from the sins of Bangkok to the Great Wall of China...this trip is not your ordinary empty nester vacation. Fears and phobias nearly do him in, until he discovers 'That something magical', Call of the Sea. It is a story of introspection and self-discovery, of friendship and family. And, it's what happens when you are floating naked, contemplating the heavens above and all the perils below.
--
"....an evocative Memoir....one of the best Memoirs I have read in ages." – The Book Commentary
"....a fast paced and funny Memoir. Genre; Memoir / Humour" – Independent Book Review
"...A must read to fans of charming Memoirs" – Reader's Favorite
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
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February 17, 2025
Norman Coutts, The Naked sailor, arrives in Bangkok, completely unaware of what awaits him in the exotic lands of South East Asia. Rob, his best friend from childhood had called, needing a First Mate to help navigate his small yacht from Thailand to the Philippines. Against his inner fears, Coutts says yes, having no idea what a First Mate does. He has never been to sea.
Discovering the wonders of Bangkok, the rich history and the dark side of its nightlife, The Naked Sailor's journey into the unknown begins. In short order his encounters with new ideas and cultures have him reflecting on his world and values, even though he is yet to set foot on the boat.
Fresh aboard Bob-the-Boat, Norm, another childhood school mate John, and Captain Rob, set off to discover the seas, ports and people of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They discover the endless swell of the mysterious deep, a sea of sudden tsunamis, ever changing clouds, and the insights of friendships renewed. As the Naked Sailor, Norm is witness to the joys and happiness of the divided rich and poor, touching his personal thoughts and perceptions.
It is a rich tale, set in an exotic world and it brings Norm face to face with thoughts of his own personal evolution. The book is filled with fascinating details of maritime navigation, as well as a voyage into Norm's personal life.
Norman, The Naked Sailor, is a witty and sensitive writer with a wonderfully rich vocabulary and vast treasury of anecdotes that keeps the narrative a fast paced, intriguing and compelling read. I found the The Naked Sailor to be thoroughly delightful, funny and captivating in every way. It's a book of travel, adventure, philosophy and personal growth with a smattering of sailor tech. Norman Coutts arrives at home port, the Naked Sailor no more.
Discovering the wonders of Bangkok, the rich history and the dark side of its nightlife, The Naked Sailor's journey into the unknown begins. In short order his encounters with new ideas and cultures have him reflecting on his world and values, even though he is yet to set foot on the boat.
Fresh aboard Bob-the-Boat, Norm, another childhood school mate John, and Captain Rob, set off to discover the seas, ports and people of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They discover the endless swell of the mysterious deep, a sea of sudden tsunamis, ever changing clouds, and the insights of friendships renewed. As the Naked Sailor, Norm is witness to the joys and happiness of the divided rich and poor, touching his personal thoughts and perceptions.
It is a rich tale, set in an exotic world and it brings Norm face to face with thoughts of his own personal evolution. The book is filled with fascinating details of maritime navigation, as well as a voyage into Norm's personal life.
Norman, The Naked Sailor, is a witty and sensitive writer with a wonderfully rich vocabulary and vast treasury of anecdotes that keeps the narrative a fast paced, intriguing and compelling read. I found the The Naked Sailor to be thoroughly delightful, funny and captivating in every way. It's a book of travel, adventure, philosophy and personal growth with a smattering of sailor tech. Norman Coutts arrives at home port, the Naked Sailor no more.
Displaying 1 of 1 review