One of my earliest books leading to my love of the Sea. A boyhoods dream. ( )

A boy gets a job with a shipbuilder and takes a trip on the maiden voyage of the Flying Cloud.

Meh. Vintage children's stories about sailing are not my favorite. ( )

This is a tough read because the subject matter is so unfamiliar. But it is worth the work to slog through it. The greatest of the clipper ships is built and makes its maiden voyage around Cape Horn to win a speed record. Sadly, the clipper was soon eclipsed by the steamer which was not dependent on wind. The glory days of the clipper are remembered in this story told from the point of view of an old salt. ( )