Sailing Barge Master by Captain George Winn, Chaffcutter Books, £12.95.

This delightful book, subtitled The Story of a Victorian Bargeman, was written more than 70 years ago. Unlike most of the literature about Thames barges, which tends to be written from a nostalgic perspective, looking back at the vanished era of sail power, this book was written in the heyday of these magnificent craft, now kept alive by enthusiasts and preservation trusts.

Paul Cook, former Royal Navy terrorism expert, and now Managing Director of International Superyacht Management Limited (www.ism-ltd.com ) and PRC Maritime (Consultancy) Limited (www.prc-maritime.com ) shares some expert advice on piracy avoidance for small yachts.

The continuing abduction of Rachel and Paul Chandler is a bleak reminder that piracy is on the increase, not only in the waters around Somalia, but across the globe.  And yachtsmen and women should be prepared to take avoiding action no matter which waters they sail in, says former Royal Navy Commander Paul Cook. 

Paul spent 25 years working in naval anti-terrorism.  He specialised in anti-piracy measures, and now as a Superyacht Captain, he advises on piracy prevention to owners and crew of all shapes and sizes of vessel.