The coasts of Britain and Ireland are surrounded by some of the most tempestuous waters in the world and are among the most diverse too. As a result of the diverse nature of the coast, each area has developed its own unique fishing craft suited to its own local environment. This book examines the roots of each native design.

Larry Pardey is accepted as one of the master craftsman of the wooden-boat building world. He and his wife, Lin, have built and repaired many boats including two strong, handsome cruising cutters and sailed twice around the world in them. This impressive book shows the process of constructing a boat hull with extensive photographs and drawings and includes ample time-saving procedures. From financial and time planning, lofting, floors and framing, selection of materials, planking and spiling, design considerations, to deck beams, man-hour norms and details critical to wooden boat construction, this volume serves as th emost comprehensive guid a potential builder could ever use. Reders will also appreciate the discussions of how to select from numerous construction methods and materials, how to set up the shop and tips for sharpening and making your own tools. The new appendix on proper adhesive selection is "must" reading.

The first history of traditional fishing boats of Europe.

The sixth-century voyage of St Brendan from Ireland to America, is one of the most fascinating of all sea legends. Could the myth of the Irish monk and his crew sailing the Atlantic in a boat made of leather, nearly a thousand years before Columbus, have been reality? In 1976, Tim Severin and a crew of four men, set out to recreate the Brendan legend. Using the exact same methods in constructing their sailing vessel, they set out on their hazardous voyage, making it one of the most inspiring expeditions in the history of exploration.

A sea kayak battles the freezing Irish waters as the morning sun rises out of the countryside. On the western horizon is the pinnacle of Skellig Michael-700 feet of vertical rock rising out of exploding seas. Somewhere on the isolated island are sixth-century monastic ruins where the light of civilization was kept burning during the Dark Ages by early Christian Irish monks. Puffins surface a few yards from the boat, as hundreds of gannets wheel overhead on six foot wing spans. The ocean rises violently and tosses paddler and boat as if they were discarded flotsam. This is just one day of Chris Duff's incredible three month journey.