Shadow in the Sands by Sam Llewellyn One of the startling differences between men and women I heard about recently was that women generally are the great readers of fiction, whereas men prefer non fiction. However, most men find a place in their reading lists for the occasional adventure or 'who dunnit'. If you're one of these and you haven't already been introduced to Sam Llewellyn, do get hold of this book. It's one of his latest in a long line of yachting adventure stories, all highly exciting and very enjoyable.

It is a natural follow-on from Erskine Childers' "Riddle of the Sands". The story is told by the main character who is a slow speaking Norfolk man, and by clever use of words, the accent is conveyed easily. The character and his phraseology so penetrated my consciousness that I found myself slipping odd Norfolk speech patterns into my conversations with my wife while I was reading it! I promise it will have you enthralled right up to the last page and if you're the nail biting type, I can tell you - without really spoiling the plot - he does survive, and he does get the girl in the end!

Sam sails a Cornish Crabber, but he also owns a Drascombe and not long ago, singlehanded it around Mull together with a few friends in their Drascombes. You may have seen it written up in PBO.

I met Sam at the Boat show this year where he was signing copies of his books. Checking that he still owned his Drascombe, I gave him a DCA membership application, telling him we welcomed new members, especially if they could write! You may or may not find his name among the new members list sometime or other, but I suggest you don't hold your breath. But meanwhile, you can read about his fictional sails.

Free as the Wind Those of you who use the Internet will probably know that "Sailing Now" has gone. Instead, a new magazine, run by SN's former Technical Advisor, Jeremy Hoyland, has taken its place, and is called "Free as the Wind".

I've been in touch with Jeremy who tells me that he'd welcome help in the way of articles, unusual experiences etc, complete wherever possible, with photos (like his predecessor, very keen on the 'pics', is Jeremy). So now's your chance to become an internationally read author(!) You won't get rich through it however, as there's no fees paid, but a credit for the DCA will be given in lieu. You can reach him by post at Derbex Ltd, 6 Ellersay Road, Teddington Middx TW11 OHG or by e-mail on HYPERLINK mailto:Fastw@Derbex.demon.co.uk Fastw@Derbex.demon.co.uk - and still locate the magazine on HYPERLINK "http://www.sailingnow.com" www.sailingnow.com

Whilst on the subject of photographs for articles, please do try to take a camera on board. It doesn't have to be an expensive job to get good results either. Recently after an appeal for photographs, I got a number from Dave Sumner showing his Mirror. The best shot of all turned out to have been taken on one of these single use, disposable cameras that you can but in your local high street chemist. Ted Jones