Prevailing Winds - Thomas Dolby
For Christmas E gave me a book, Prevailing Winds, by Thomas Dolby that caught his eye as it was about the Deer Isle men who were recruited for the America’s Cup races in the fading years of the 1890’s. He knew that I had read Mark J. Gabrielson’s account of this topic, but here was this fictionalized story. Bound to be a winner.
My first thought once opened was, Thomas Dolby? Really? I put that thought aside, and we chatted about the book’s subject and the connection that E was making to the story. The idea of it being Thomas Dolby’s novel was gone from my brain until I picked it up and started to read this tale. It, of course, is a story by that very Thomas Dolby, and a fun read it was for me.
He has a strong sense of the boats, the people, and the jobs that he is portraying in relationship to the “on water” accounts. The NYYC side of things I will leave for others to judge. He clearly has been on the water in a traditional sailing aspect, which allows him to keep me engaged in the fun story that he puts together. Having read the account of these races, it was fun to see how he connects the Deer Isle community and people with the NYYC/Newport crew and geopolitically with the coming war. A fun winter read for one who often dreams of a reach through Merchants Row on a warm summer day and is always amazed at the hijinks of competitive racing situations.
I have to work on my reverse sailing techniques this coming season.