What we’re Watching
Chisels, Plywood and Frames There is a particular satisfaction in watching raw materials—sheets of plywood, lengths of timber, and a scatter of frames and fastenings—slowly become a functioning boat. The transformation is deliberate and exacting: lofting the lines, scarfing seams, planing timbers, chiseling joints, sanding surfaces, and applying protective finishes. On his YouTube channel Tips from a Shipwright, master shipwright Louis Sauzedde documents those techniques step by step, turning complex boatbuilding and repair skills into approachable lessons for DIY builders and professional restorers alike.
On the channel you’ll find complete keel-up projects—such as a traditional sport dory and a compact work skiff—that demonstrate the full progression from raw stock to launch. Alongside full builds, Louis covers targeted repairs and maintenance for both wooden and fiberglass vessels: how to splice and scarf planks cleanly, select the right adhesives and epoxies, fair a hull, prepare surfaces for paint, and perform reliable repairs in constrained spaces. Whether you’re interested in building a small boat from scratch, learning lofting and framing, or just becoming more confident at routine upkeep, these videos provide clear, practical demonstrations that build skill and confidence over time.
Deep Into the Blue Imagine diving beneath crystalline water where schools of fish scatter in sunlight, dolphins glide past, and a sudden upwelling reveals a humpback whale rising from depth. That immersive, cinematic experience is the heart of Beyond Blue, an interactive exploration game available through Apple Arcade. The game follows Mirai, a deep-sea diver and researcher, as she explores rich marine habitats and encounters a variety of ocean life.
Beyond Blue blends exploration with interpretation: as players draw near to a creature, they can zoom in to examine features, learn its scientific name, and discover notes about its behavior and ecological role. The visuals and sound design create a calming, engrossing atmosphere, while the informational overlays and narrative threads give the experience educational depth. For anyone who loves ocean life and immersive digital experiences, Beyond Blue offers a relaxing way to explore marine ecosystems. (Apple Arcade subscription, $5/month.)
More salty reads
Learning the Wind
Sailing can feel exhilarating and daunting in equal measure. Gliding quietly over water with wind in the sails is uniquely rewarding, but the mechanics—steering, trimming sails, raising and lowering canvas, docking—can unsettle newcomers. In Go Sailing: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Afloat, Simon Jollands demystifies the process and makes getting started far less intimidating. The book covers fundamental principles: how sails generate drive, basic points of sail, effective helm techniques, essential knots, and the nautical vocabulary every new sailor should know.
Beyond the basics, Jollands addresses practical concerns that build safety and confidence: selecting ground tackle, anchoring properly in varying conditions, responding to a man overboard, and routine systems like the marine head. The tone is reassuring and pragmatic, aimed at helping novices move from apprehension to competence so they can enjoy sailing without undue stress. (Price noted: $18, Adlard Coles.)
Pushing to the Edge
John Kretschmer’s sailing life has taken him on long passages, circumnavigations, and deep encounters with remote places. In Sailing to the Edge of Time he recounts arduous Atlantic and Pacific crossings, close calls with reefs, and tense episodes ashore during geopolitically charged moments. His storytelling blends travel narrative with applied seamanship: readers will find vivid scenes of faraway ports and islands alongside reflections on navigation, storm tactics, and the decision-making that keeps a crew and vessel safe.
More than a logbook of voyages, the book is a meditation on pushing personal limits—testing comfort zones, learning from mistakes, and using the sea as a frame for broader life lessons. Kretschmer sails with a diverse cast aboard: business leaders, artists, educators, and young travelers, each adding color to the narrative and underscoring how adventure can reshape perspective. Practical tips and thoughtful commentary make this a compelling read for anyone drawn to long-distance cruising or seeking inspiration to live more adventurously. (Price noted: $18, Adlard Coles.)