Islands of Blue Water
NZ$39.95
Islands of Blue Water
By Keith Robinson
Historical Significance
Islands of Blue Water is an evocative mid-20th-century account that documents the burgeoning era of global recreational cruising. Authored by Keith Robinson, the narrative follows a series of ambitious voyages across the "blue water" latitudes, spanning from the Caribbean to the intricate archipelagos of the Mediterranean. Historically, this work captures a moment in maritime history when international yachting was transitioning from the exclusive domain of the ultra-wealthy to a more accessible, albeit still disciplined, pursuit for dedicated yachtsmen.
Robinson’s writing is significant for its early documentation of the Mediterranean "circuit" before the onset of mass maritime tourism. His visits to the Balearics, Malta, and the Greek Isles provide a scholarly look at the traditional harbor infrastructures and local seafaring cultures of the time. For the collector, the book serves as a vital record of the logistical challenges of post-war island-hopping, offering a rare glimpse into the social dynamics of varied amateur crews and the enduring appeal of the "sunny side of sailing" in an age of simpler navigation.
Key Maritime Themes
Archipelago Navigation: Practical observations on navigating the complex waters of the Greek and Mediterranean island groups.
Transatlantic Logistics: Technical and social insights into the passage-making from the Caribbean to the Azores and beyond.
Crew Dynamics: A scholarly examination of leadership and interpersonal management within the confined environment of a sailing vessel.
Mediterranean Pilotage: Historical accounts of harbor approaches and anchorage conditions in 20th-century European ports.
Voyaging Philosophy: The pursuit of "traditionally blue" waters as a catalyst for long-range maritime exploration.
Geographic Relevance
For the New Zealand collector, Islands of Blue Water offers a compelling look at the European and Mediterranean destinations that have long been the "northern summer" goal for many NZ-based voyagers. Robinson’s journey from the Caribbean through the Azores mirrors the traditional routes taken by many New Zealand sailors during global circumnavigations. The book provides an important historical context for the Mediterranean sailing tradition, which continues to influence the design and aspirations of the modern New Zealand cruising community.
Condition
Used hard back with dust jacket. Good condition with some minor tears on the dust jacket edges. Published in 1968. 254 Pages