This beautifully produced compendium gives you a knot challenge for every day of the year. With hundreds to choose from, all colour coded by use, you can work through the book from start to finish, gradually building on your knowledge as you go, or alternatively dipping in and out for your daily knotting fix. Covers: - all the essential knots - useful hitches, bends, whippings and splices - handy knots for making outdoor items: plant hangers, harnesses, tree swings, rope ladder - mini knot craft projects: cool keyrings, friendship bracelets, belts, mats - magic 'trick' knots: escapology knots, vanishing knots, travelling knots - freestyle knots: have a go at the 'thrown bowline' (an old cowboy trick) - everyday fashion knots - new ways to tie your shoelaces, scarf, or even your tie! You won't escape this book without learning something, and you won't put it down without picking up an interesting fact or useful technique. Give it a month and you'll be a knot tying fanatic; give it a year and you'll be a knotting supremo!

One person, one boat and mile upon mile of open sea. Ever since Joshua Slocum circumnavigated the world in 1895-1898, sailors have dreamed of taking to the high seas alone and many have devoted their lives to doing just that. Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the world in 266 days in 1966 and, two years later, Robin Knox-Johnston became the first to do it non-stop. If one skipper could do it fast, then others thought they could do it faster. From the first Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race (Ostar) in 1960, the idea of lone sailors pitting their wits against each other and the elements aboard such delicate-seeming craft has captured the public's imagination. This text explores the background of all the major single-handed sailing races from the pioneering Ostar to the Vendee Globe. Each chapter traces the history of each race and includes a detailed map of the route. Feature spreads on celebrated skippers and their dramatic stories are included, along with an exploration of the impact these fearless men and women have had on boat design, as their quest for sailing excellence has continued to challenge boat technology.

Why will a sailor never go to sea on Friday 13th? Why are boats always referred to as 'she'? How do you navigate the ocean without a compass? Does the Bermuda Triangle really exist? Why do sailors wear earrings? Did Blackbeard actually exist? Did Nelson really say 'Kiss me, Hardy'? What is the correct way to bury a body at sea? Why is a rope never called a rope? This fascinating collection of maritime folklore and trivia delves into the history, science and culture of the sea, and is packed full of entertaining, surprising and insightful facts, from the delightfully obscure to the amusingly quaint, including everyday expressions that have their origins on board ship. It is a complete treasure trove for young and old alike. Topics include: sailors and superstitions; ships and shipbuilding; navigation and seamanship; pirates and smugglers; fish and fishermen; coasts and oceans; tides and weather; art and literature of the sea.

The rhythmic lullaby of 'North Utsire, South Utsire' has been lulling the nation's insomniacs to sleep for over 90 years. It has inspired songs, poetry and imaginations across the globe - as well as providing a very real service for the nation's seafarers who might fall prey to storms and gales. In 1995, a plan to move the late-night broadcast by just 12 minutes caused a national outcry and was ultimately scrapped. Published with Radio 4 and the Met Office, The Shipping Forecast is the official miscellany for seafarers and armchair travellers alike. From the places themselves - how they got their names, what's happened there through the ages - to the poems and parodies that it's inspired, this is a beautifully evocative tribute to one of Britain's - and Radio 4's - best-loved broadcasts.