Please select your home edition
Edition
Crewsaver 2021 Safetyline LEADERBOARD

Book review: Flotsam and Jetsam (The Cranse Chronicles) by Bob Ross

by Magnus Smith 5 Feb 2023 09:54 GMT 5 February 2023
Flotsam and Jetsam (The Cranse Chronicles) by Bob Ross © Magnus Smith

I'm not Australian, and yet this collection of bar stories still amused me to read through in my spare moments. To be fair, the local colour (mainly from Sydney) was balanced fairly often with tales from international offshore racing and the America's/Admiral's Cups.

Taken from an anonymous gossip column, from the 1970s until the days where websites took over, Bob's tales range from short two sentence quips to two page stories. You may have heard the odd one before, but not all of them, and sometimes the book seems to reveal the truer version of events.

My personal favourite was about a shop window dummy (mannequin) which caused extended fun and games at one Sydney-Hobart Race, and topped off the prize-giving by coming alive.

Uncensored, and of their time, they are worthy of a giggle. I would recommend the hardback version for a shore-side read, or the paperback edition for an onboard library.

Excerpt from Flotsam and Jetsam (The Cranse Chronicles) by Bob Ross - photo © Magnus Smith
Excerpt from Flotsam and Jetsam (The Cranse Chronicles) by Bob Ross - photo © Magnus Smith

Related Articles

The Proving Ground
Why the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS is such an important regatta The end of an Olympic quadrennial cycle often brings sailing campaigns to an end. Some partnerships in doublehanded classes split, with helm and crew going their separate ways, while others use the time to reflect on their future. Posted today at 12:30 pm The most important job in sailing
How Nick Scott is delivering radical change to competitive sailing pathways in the UK I am putting forward that falls to Nick Scott and his team. Namely to secure its competitive future by addressing challenges and delivering radical change while bringing people on that journey with him. Posted on 31 Mar Revealing the Secrets of the 'Impossible' XR 41
An out and out race yacht, but also a sporty cruiser, thanks to its modular interior The XR 41 from X-Yachts was quite a departure from what they'd been doing for the last 15 years: concentrating on high-end Performance Racing Cruisers. This is an out and out race yacht, but it's also a sporty cruiser, thanks to its modular interior. Posted on 27 Mar Going to publish the 'F' word – Again!
Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing Now we published the first one back in June last year. It did really well, thank you. Very much appreciated. Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing, and are keen to get into the foiling world. Posted on 23 Mar RYA influences MCA's changes to regulations
Interview with Niall McLeod to see how Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice affects us The RYA have been working closely with the the government to make sure that new regulations for leisure vessels are not too restrictive. It seems that any group which operates a "coded" vessel should be thankful. Posted on 18 Mar No more excuses
2025 is all about the club sailors, the weekend warriors, the open meeting stalwarts I was wondering if things were going to slow down in sailing after the huge events of 2024, namely the Olympics, America's Cup and Vendée Globe but, if anything, they've speeded up. Posted on 17 Mar The oldest video footage of sailing in Ireland
A look back into our video archive, from 1926 to 1980 As we prepare for St Patrick's Day tomorrow, let us direct our exploration of the video archive towards anything Irish. We have discovered several videos from Ireland, starting as early as the 1920s! Posted on 16 Mar Two boats. Same Direction.
You know the deal… It means there's a race on. You know the deal… It means there's a race on. So, the second South Pacific Superyacht Rendezvous is set for August 26 to 29, 2025. If it is even half as much fun and interesting as the first one, then it will bolster its burgeoning reputation. Posted on 9 Mar The 600 Sweet Spot
The world of offshore racing is booming around the world The world of offshore racing is booming around the world. Record entries, some of the world's fastest yachts and highest profile campaigns, and a plethora of Corinthian teams have the 'classics' on their bucket list. Posted on 4 Mar Inaugural Fast Women's Switch Training Camp
Some of the best sailors in the world gathered in Thailand The first ever Fast Women's Switch Training Camp took place at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Thailand, attracting some of the best sailors in the world, fresh from competing in the Australia Sail Grand Prix. Posted on 4 Mar
Copyright 2025 YY Online Services Ltd. registered in England no. 7895890
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy