Stars to Steer By

Stars to Steer By is a long overdue celebration of the spirit of women’s independence through sailing, shining a spotlight on achievements which, all too often, have been wiped from the sailing record; it advocates what all women sailors want - normalisation and a sense of fairness on the water. Julia’s writing brings each of her subjects vividly to life, giving a voice to many pioneers whose success and trailblazing have been overshadowed by the achievements of men, just on the basis of gender. This book is the start of the correction of the record. * Katy Stickland, PBO Magazine *Stars to Steer By is an entertaining and inspiring cruise through the lives of women sailors: adventurers, racers, travellers, workers, pootlers, rich and poor, happy and sad. It’s a lovely portrait gallery as much as a history, and deserves a place on every sea-lover’s bookcase, whether you’re a real sailor or an arch fantasist. * Louisa Young *Jones has carved a fine reputation for herself as a nautical author * Sailing Today *

Julia Jones is a writer, editor and classic yacht owner, whose father served in the RNVSR. She is Literary Contributor for Yachting Monthly magazine.

When she was a small girl, Julia’s parents bought Arthur Ransome’s yacht Peter Duck. She found that her berth on board was the snuggest place in the world for reading, writing and dreaming too. Years later she discovered her special reading place was where Ransome stored his typewriter. This inspired her ‘Strong Winds’ series of sailing adventures.