A Boat Book for Saab People

Bryan Joslin

Jun 22, 2009 - 2:53:46 PM

I was combing the transportation section of my local library (Section 623, specifically) for any books on small sailboats. Not sure why, really, other than I have an interest in all types of vehicles- boats, planes, cars, motorcycles. What I came across was a book called "Sloop" by Daniel Robb. At first I thought it might be a misplaced novel, judging by the cover. But you know what they say about judging books by their covers.

Within its pages is the true-life story of the author's experience restoring a family treasure, a 1930s-era Herreshoff 12-1/2, a classic American sailboat. So where's the Saab connection, you're asking by now. Well as it turns out, Robb, being a New England carpenter/writer/educator/political consultant, happens to drive a classic Saab 900. The boat restoration is the central story, but he makes frequent reference to the 900, without which it would seem the restoration would not have been possible.

Although Robb never goes into great detail about the car, you get the sense it is a late-'80s or very early-'90s vintage, probably a non-turbo, and most certainly a 3-door. One theme of the book is how "things used to be done the right way," and you get very real sense that he might also be throwing a shot or two at General Motors.

If you have any interest at all in small sailboats, you should find "Sloop" an enjoyable read. And there's just enough Saab commentary to justify picking it up even if that's not what floats your, well, you know. You can get the book at major booksellers, but perhaps you'd like to visit Daniel Robb's website first.