Wake of the Coasters

By John F. Leavitt

Book Overview

The late marine artist John F. Leavitt spent his early years sailing in New England coasting schooners. This fascinating account of the vessels, their work, and their crews, told from personal knowledge and beautifully illustrated by the author, brings readers an intimate view of life in working sailing vessels. The second edition of this saltwater classic includes a useful vessel index and several new illustrations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 091337234X
• ISBN13: 9780913372340
• Release Date: January 1970
• Publisher: Mystic Seaport Museum Inc
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.3" x 0.8" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Wake of the Coasters

As a history buff of New England's history of working sailing craft, it was interesting to read how the coasting schooners were a vital part of the economic development and support of the hardy folk who depended on the vessels. Author Leavitt portrays the period from the view of one who lived it. His plain prose put me on the deck of the schooners from long ago. Highly recommended.

A compendium of American coasting schooners

This is a charming book about life aboard American coasting schooners. Focusing almost entirely on the Maine coast, this book covers a wide variety of topics; from the gear of the vessels, the general types of schooner, the use of the gear and coaster seamanship, as well as a facinating collection of stories about the gallant schooners and the larger than life men who sailed them, like "Old Zeb" Tilton and the Alice S. Wentworth. The author worked on these vessels in their dotage, and his love for these old ships permeates every page. A thoroughly rousting read!