Flirting with Mermaids: The Unpredictable Life of a Sailboat Delivery Skipper

Enjoyed the variety of stories about different boats and people. Makes me feel better about my own boat and can’t wait to get back out there!

This is the sort of book that would have changed my life if I’d read it at age 18. Kretchmer’s life is like something out of an adventure novel, one that’s filled with fun and good people. I can see why people see him more as a philosopher than a sailor.

John Kretchmer takes us along on his epic journey through life and love. He knows things about oceans, people and relationships that only a sailor can learn. This is the best story I’ve read in a very long time.

I received an autographed copy of this book as a gift from someone who has in the past sailed with the author. Now that I have read it, I can honestly say it is one of my favorite all-time gifts. I hope I have the opportunity to sail with John someday. I have read a lot of maritime history, and some of it is very dry and hard to read. Luckily for us, John’s writing style is easy to enjoy. Of course, it helps that I am a sailor, but I am pretty certain someone without sailing experience can enjoy this book. Whether you are thinking about buying a sailboat, or you just like reading about interesting adventures, I think this one is worth your time. One thing I can tell you, is that if you read a book like this and you find that you have enjoyed it, I highly recommend taking an introductory sailing class either through US Sailing or the American Sailing Association. The classes cost a couple hundred dollars, they take three days and it will open your eyes to the wonderful world of sailing. Even the most successful adventurers start with small adventures. That can be yours.

I’m a big fan. I’ve read all his books and seek out his work. If you sail, read JK for his sailing wisdom. If you don’t sail, read him for his life wisdom. In either case, you will be engaged by his style and wit….and learn along the way.

I knew of John Kretschmer as an expert of boats and boating but until I read this book I didn't know the the background of why. What an amazing journey. However, it's how he tells the story that kept me up reading when I should have long been in bed. Well done. If you are a sailor or just like sailing stories this is a book that should be on your short list.

Before starting this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as some of these "My Life" books are testosterone charged ego trips for the author. However, I did enjoy this book and Kretschmer did well in tying multiple stories together to form one good story. As a delivery boat Capitan, I am sure the author has had plenty of uneventful "normal" trips that simply would not make for a good story. Karetschmer picked some of his more interesting deliveries and proceeds to tell the reader of the topsy-turvy life of a delivery boat Capitan.

John takes you on a ride free of the mundane. Free of the text book sailing books owner/writer concept to a world of brute force love affair with the ocean and blue water battles with King Neptune and sailboat deliveries.

Enjoyed reading this book of John Kretschmers it has humour , adventure and everything you would expect from this dedicated sailor . Many years of delivering various yachts around the world leaves him with a wealth of stories to tell . Twenty years of doing the job he was born for and over 100 delivery trips in all kinds of weather and many stories to tell , I highly recommend this book to all sailors and to anyone who loves adventure .

loved this book. I am a sailor though with much less experience than this guy. What adventures!

Loved this book. John Kretschmer is crazy about sailing and writes about the alarming situations he gets involved in with a great sense of humour and an amusing use of metaphors. An old man have him sage advice after giving him a sideways look of an iguana. A delightful read!

fine

Enjoyed reading this.