Anyone aware of an English language mariner’s handbook that details essential knowledge for life at sea? It doesn’t need to be of unique historical heritage. A close reference for the topper of thing I am looking for is “Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills” which details a tremendous amount of practical knowledge and associated skills, necessary equipment to be begin and be safe(r) mountaineering.
Pick an area you would imagine or dream of traveling to. (Coastal)
There are "cruising guides" of almost everywhere in the world. They are usually hand written compilations of many years of knowledge from many sources. They are wonderful to read, even if just to dream. Where to anchor, how deep, under what weather. Where to land your dinghy, and go to they local store, cafe, diner, market. What to buy, who to talk with, what to see. They are great escapes while being practical solutions.
Fascinating sketches of harbours and ports. It is like a modern cruising atlas. Unfortunately in Portuguese?
Great imagery and views, of port towns from that era, not so long ago, yet so long ago!
Still recognizable headlands.