Strictly Sailing Books
Specialising in used and out of print Cruising, Sailing, and Technical Books
for the Sailing Enthusiast
I like books - especially books about sailing boats. I always found it difficult to find good books, but over the years, I accumulated a library which eventually became a problem. My garage was stacked with boxes of books that I'd read but could not bring myself to donate to charity shops. So the idea of selling them occurred to me. I sold a few through E-Bay, but realised that I had little control over the process, and the fees were hurting.
So, I designed my own web page, and, in April 2007, listed my library (most of it - some were too tatty to offer for sale - but I love 'em). Still, I kept haunting used-book shops, adding slowly to my collection.
Then I went further afield and travelled to book fairs as far away as Canberra (about 300 km away). I can't stock every sailing related book that's ever been published. But I do aim to stock books that are helpful, inspiring, encouraging, enlightening, and entertaining. I was a dreamer too. Now I am accused of being a serial boat-owner, although I am between boats right now - and I still dream.
I have written several articles for Cruising Helmsman, several on Australian sailing boat designers, and on getting into cruising.
From the beginning, I never aimed to make a living from bookselling. It is a hobby, and in fact I doubt if I make any profit overall when I count travel expenses, fuel, accommodation, etc. I even recently brought home a baggage-allowance busting stack of sailing books from the UK. As I was going there for a holiday, I was able to personally deliver two large books to a customer in London - saving her heaps on postage, and time. Who will match that for customer service!?
But it's fun, and I provide a one-stop used-book shop for the sailing enthusiast which I think is unique in Australia. I now have some 8 shelf-metres of strictly sailing books. I doubt if you could find that much in any used book shop in Aus.
My pricing does not aim to undercut the book shops. I don't compare my prices with anyone else's. Rather, I set a price based on what I would be willing to pay over the counter, discounted by a margin to allow for the cost of postage. My books might appear to be cheap by marked price, but I am aware that the high cost of postage makes my end-price very close to the across-the-counter price.
Testimonials
Dear sir - I recently looked for "Cruising PNG" by Alan Lucas and a "Google" search took me to your online bookshop. The rest is history and I have the book. Buying from you was simple, quick and hassle-free. The book arrived within a couple of days properly packed for postage. Thanks for 'doing it right' - I have no hesitation in recommending your site and its ease of navigation & transaction. Yours sincerely, Ken White (Bribie Island, Qld)
Hello
Geoff, The books were in my mailbox today already. They are perfect and
your packaging was absolutely A1.
Many thanks and all the best. Eric
(Bluff, New Zealand)
Hi
Geoff Just a quick note to let you know that the book has arrived in
excellent condition.
Many thanks for an efficient service. John (Lancashire UK)