Off the Shelf – Book Recommendations for Ocean and Adventure Lovers

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

The original adventure novel that has inspired travellers and explorers for centuries, including sailing’s own Jules Verne Trophy which was awarded to the first yacht that sailed around the world in less than eighty days.

The JVT may be awarded to the challenger who breaks the previous Jules Verne record of the round the world voyage under sail. The circumnavigation may be conducted at any point in time, non-stop, with any type of yacht and no restrictions on the size of the crew, with a virtual start and finish line between Brittany, France and Cornwall, England. The last record was broken in January 2026 by Thomas Coville’s trimaran Sodebo Ultim 3 with a time of 40 days, 10 hours, and 45 minutes.

Around the Buoys with Champion Yachtswoman and Navigator by Adrienne Cahalan

World Speed Record holder, Jules Verne trophy contender, circumnavigator, six-time Sydney Hobart Line Honours winner and three-time Sydney Hobart Overall winner, Adrienne Cahalan is one of the most decorated offshore sailors. Hear from Adrienne herself on her journey from Sydney’s Lane Cove to maritime lawyer to round-the-world sailor.

Into Thin Air: a Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster – Jon Krakauer

One of the most harrowing and captivating adventure books of all time, famed writer Jon Krakauer details his experience during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster in which Krakauer was hired to climb the world’s tallest peak for an Outside magazine piece.

The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson

With Christopher Nolan’s latest feature film the Odyssey sparking a resurgence for the Greek epic, now’s the time to crack open Homer’s poem. Emily Wilson’s translation of the classic piece is praised for its clear and modern language while written in iambic pentameter verse. Published in 2017, Emily Wilson is the first woman to have translated Homer’s work to English and acted as the primary source of inspiration for Nolan himself. Get reading and be thankful on your next trans-Tasman delivery that you haven’t angered Poseidon yourself.

Sail by Timothy Jeffery

A tribute to the world’s greatest racers, sailors and their boats. Timothy Jeffery’s book is a celebration of the adventure and skill in one of the oldest sports. The work also includes expert technical analysis and intricate illustrations of each classification of race boat.