Second Wind: A Sunfish Sailor, an Island, and the Voyage That Brought a Family Together

For those who have had fun sailing on a Sunfish or those interested in Nantucket, this book might hold interest. In his late thirties, the writer Nathaniel Philbrick decides to try to revisit competitive Sunfish racing, a sport at which, as a teenager, he had been quite accomplished. His game plan is to restore his skills by sailing the ponds of Nantucket from fall to spring. Anyone acquainted with the bleak and dreary godforsaken frozen heath of fall and winter in New England can be well assured that this hivernal contretemps reaches an advanced level on this offshore ascetic locale, not by chance chosen by the grim faced waste-not-want-not, skin-flint, dour-faced, dreary-dressing Quakers of yore. Thus informed, one can appreciate the grit and determination involved in the pursuit of such a plan. The book includes a nifty map so one can follow the action from pond to pond. The tale is smoothly told and flows well. The drawback is the gag reflex triggering. The author tells a story that is less about sailing than it is about ego, envy, competition and foot stomping for attention. Also, some snippets read as if cribbed from some of those photocopied brag sheets that darlings of fortune sent out to “friends” during the holidays. Conceit aside, readers might enjoy the chilly ride through white caps and cattails.

Just when I was suffering cabin fever, I discovered this book. Reading Nat's re-introduction to Sunfish racing, I felt myself in my own boat again. His historical contexts were very interesting and his descriptions of sailing were very vivid. Thank you Nat. Summer doesn't feel so far away.

i loved this book, nat philbbrick is one of the best nantucket authors. most of nathaniels books are historical about the island, but this one focuses on nat himself. very well written!