Good Little Ship by Peter Willis

[GeeW]

I am guessing that one or two of you on these forums may just have heard of Arthur Ransome and his series of twelve Swallow & Amazons books at some point? I suspect that most English sailors between the ages of four and ninety four were bought up and in many cases just about learnt to sail through the reading of these books...I count myself amongst them and so does my Dad!

In what is arguably his best story being both larger in theme and tighter of plot "We didn't mean to go to sea" (WDNMTGTS) the boat used for this adventure was Ransome's very own boat the 'Nancy Blackett' which appears as the "Goblin" in his story.
To quote the sleeve notes "Good Little Ship is a blend of literary criticism, maritime history along with the story of the 'Nancy Blackett', her life, near death and restoration".
Twenty years ago the Nancy Blackett was rescued and now serves as a living, sailing ambassador for Ransome and his tales.
It brings much of not only WDNMTGTS to life but also fills in a huge amount of detail of both the area, the boat as well as the story.
I thought it excellent...so much so I'm going to sail these waters and 'Nancy Blackett' this year!