Subject
Yachting -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
John Henry Goldfrap
The Ocean Wireless Boys on the Pacific
"The Ocean Wireless Boys on the Pacific" by Captain Wilbur Lawton is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventurous tale follows the young wireless operator, Jack Ready, and his friend Billy Raynor as they embark on a mysterious voyage aboard the yacht "Sea Gypsy" under the enigmatic millionaire Jacob Jukes. Their journey across the Pacific soon turns perilous as they face storms, uncover secrets, and encounter dangers both natural and human. At the start of the story, the "Sea Gypsy" is twenty days into its voyage, ostensibly on a mission that has yet to be revealed to the crew. Jack observes the unsettling beauty of a sunset as Captain Sparhawk expresses concern over the dropping atmospheric pressure, hinting at an approaching hurricane. As the storm hits, chaos ensues, leading to the yacht being battered by waves and Jack fighting for survival in the turbulent ocean. The narrative sets the stage for a series of thrilling adventures to come, involving shipwrecks, mysterious derelicts, and the ultimate quest to locate Mr. Jukes' missing brother, setting up a captivating story of heroism and discovery.
Russell Doubleday
A Year in a Yawl A True Tale of the Adventures of Four Boys in a Thirty-foot Yawl
"A Year in a Yawl" by Russell Doubleday is a true adventure narrative written in the early 20th century. The story follows four boys—Kenneth Ransom, Clyde Morrow, Frank Chauvet, and Arthur Morrow—as they embark on an ambitious journey in a thirty-foot yawl they build themselves, aiming to sail around the Eastern half of the United States. The tale encapsulates themes of friendship, courage, and the spirit of adventure, as the boys navigate the challenges of their expedition. The opening of the narrative introduces the enthusiastic planning phase, where Kenneth passionately describes his vision for the voyage to his skeptical friends while sketching routes on a map. Kenneth's determination and resourcefulness come to life as he works diligently to construct the yawl, the "Gazelle," preparing for the grand adventure ahead. We see the boys coming together, excited about the journey and the experiences waiting for them, despite the doubts expressed by adults and their peers. Their initial conversations and preparations set the stage for a voyage filled with excitement, perils, and the joy of exploration, drawing readers into their audacious quest.
Izola L. (Izola Louise) Forrester
The Polly Page Yacht Club
"The Polly Page Yacht Club" by Izola L. Forrester is a novel written in the early 20th century. This charming story revolves around a group of young girls, including the spirited protagonist Polly Page, as they embark on an adventurous summer filled with plans for sailing and exploring Lost Island. The narrative captures themes of friendship, excitement, and the joy of youth, showcasing the girls' determination to launch their very own yacht club. At the start of the book, we meet Polly Page and her friends during a gathering to celebrate the end of their school year. The girls are members of the "Hungry Six Club" and are planning an exciting summer together, with Polly leading the charge. She envisions a vacation on Lost Island filled with outdoor activities, swimming, and learning to sail. As the girls prepare for their adventure, they face the challenges of organizing a trip without adults, all while maintaining their camaraderie and playful spirit. The opening chapters set the stage for their upcoming maritime escapades and the friendships that will deepen throughout their journey.
Clarence Budington Kelland
Catty Atkins, Sailorman
"Catty Atkins, Sailorman" by Clarence Budington Kelland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the adventures of two boys, Catty Atkins and his friend, who embark on a summer cruise aboard a yacht called the Albatross after being invited by Mr. Browning, a businessman. The narrative combines elements of youthful curiosity and mischief with a hint of mystery and potential danger as they become entangled in the world of suspected pirates and tales of buried treasure. At the start of the novel, Catty and his friend are excitedly preparing for their cruise after meeting Mr. Browning, who seems to have secrets of his own. As they set sail, they learn about the crew members, including the bickering Naboth and the quirky cook, Rameses III. The atmosphere becomes tense when they notice a sinister black yacht, the Porpoise, trailing them, leading to speculation about hidden treasure and possible danger. The boys' adventure takes a humorous twist as they overhear crew discussions about the treasure map they unwittingly provided to the crew of the Porpoise, placing them at the center of a thrilling chase intertwined with their youthful escapades.
Burt L. Standish
Frank Merriwell's Cruise
"Frank Merriwell's Cruise" by Burt L. Standish is a novel written in the late 19th century. This adventure story follows the character Frank Merriwell, a young and resourceful character who embarks on a cruise with his friends aboard the yacht "White Wings". They face various challenges, including run-ins with former enemies and the specter of misfortune associated with their boat, setting the stage for thrilling escapades along the Maine coastline. At the start of the book, Merriwell invites his friend Jack Diamond to join him on a cruise. As Diamond arrives in Boston, he is warmly welcomed by Merriwell and his companions, who have plans for an adventurous voyage. However, the stage is set for conflict when they learn about unfortunate incidents connected to their yacht and the sudden arrival of an old enemy, Wat Snell, who seems to harbor ill intentions. This opening lays the groundwork for both the camaraderie of their group and the emerging tensions that promise excitement in their journey ahead.
G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
The Queen's Cup
"The Queen's Cup" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around Captain Frank Mallett, a military officer who grapples with feelings of rivalry and superstition, particularly concerning a former schoolmate who seems to shadow and outshine him at every turn. Set against the backdrop of the British military efforts during the Indian Rebellion, the novel explores themes of honor, competition, and the personal costs of war. The opening of the book sets the stage in the drawing room of Greendale where Captain Mallett reflects on his past struggles with a rival from school, hinting at a deeper emotional turmoil that influences his present. His conversation with Bertha, Sir John Greendale's daughter, reveals Mallett’s readiness to face the upcoming military engagements, despite the haunting memory of his past defeats. As he prepares to re-engage with the battlefield, the narrative foreshadows significant conflict not only with external enemies in India but also with personal demons tied to his rival's shadow, setting a tense, compelling tone for the unfolding drama of war and personal growth.
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