Cross posting from the Gordo thread re: the new book Gales of November. He does a great job explaining the history of the Fitz, the importance of the Great Lakes shipping channel, the engineering behind the Soo locks...hell, he even finds a way to make taconite interesting. Data & safety wonks will appreciate the explanation of the Plimsoll line & freeboard limits--and how frequently these critical safety limits were tested, skirted & broken for the almighty dollar--and how dangerous those waters were given the technology of the time. Obviously it's the stories of the sailors & the families that pull us in. Captain Mc Sorley making his final sail ever before retiring, and using the extra bonus money from another record haul to help cover his chronically ill wife's medical expenses. The officers & mates he'd spent decades sailing with who were also going to retire. And the youngsters, waiting to finish the season & take their hot rod on a cross country trip before the responsibilities of an unexpected pregnancy truly set in.