The Perfect First Mate: A Woman's Guide to Recreational Boating

by Joy Smith

Helps boaters streamline tasks and offers tips on everything from storage challenges to moving below decks, sleeping well, and keeping the cabin warm or cool. Tips are intended both for day travel or extended cruising and provide an updated set of secrets for boaters. Any nautical library needs this. ― Midwest Book Review

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2009

About the author

As you can see, I have a mish mosh of genres. The truth is my nonfiction books have followed my life’s learnings. Thirty-five years ago, when we bought our first boat, I began collecting info that might make cruising easier for other boaters, new and old. When my to-be-married daughter asked for my recipes, I started a cookbook, and then a Lord-help-me book for mom’s going through the wedding planning process.
So fiction writing? How about that? Well, I needed a little fantasy in my life. Did you know writing a novel is more challenging than a how-to book? When I’m not contriving a plot or doing heavy research, you may find me aboard our boat enjoying the salt air or fighting heavy seas with my handsome captain. Oh, and I crochet like mad—prayer shawls to be donated to those in need of a hug—at dock, underway, or at home.