Ripples in Time: Stories from a Weekend Sailor by Mike Mendes is a captivating collection of sailing adventures spanning decades, locations, and a diverse array of vessels. Published by Seaworthy Publications, this memoir eschews the typical tropes of exotic, high-priced yachting in favor of a down-to-earth exploration of the "weekend sailor" lifestyle, primarily on the lakes and reservoirs of the American West.
The Heart of the Journey
The book dispels the myth that sailing is reserved for the wealthy or the "stuffy snobs" of elite yacht clubs. Instead, Mendes introduces readers to a community of humble, generous, and adventurous individuals who are more likely to share a beer or a spare part than look down on a fellow mariner. From racing a Santana 22 at 9,000 feet on Lake Dillon to navigating a "blizzard charter" and rubbing elbows with world-class champions like Terry Hutchinson, these stories celebrate the grit and humor of the sailing life.
Key Themes & Features
Accessible Adventure: Mendes highlights how sailing is an attainable hobby for the average person, featuring technical insights on low-cost trailerable boats like the J-24 and Precision series.
A Lifelong Legacy: The narrative is deeply personal, tracing the author's maritime roots from his childhood in Venezuela and Libya to his father's obsessive love for boat building and repair.
Technical Wit: Sailors will appreciate the author's own "trial and error" lessons in boat maintenance, which bring a relatable, practical dimension to the storytelling.
The Modern Maritime World: The book concludes with a look at the cutting edge of the sport, including the America's Cup, SailGP, and the grueling Vend�e Globe race.
Why You'll Love It:
Whether you are a seasoned skipper or someone who has never stepped foot on a deck, Ripples in Time offers an "invitation to share in a lifetime of wind, water, and adventure". It is a celebration of the "blissful rhythm" of life on the water and the enduring connections made in the cockpit and at the dockside bar.
Mendes, Mike: - Mike Mendes' story begins in San Tomé, Venezuela, where a childhood shaped by global moves-thanks to his father's career in the oil industry-took him from the deserts of Tripoli, Libya to the bustling heart of London, England. Along the way, one passion took hold early and never let go: sailing the warm, blue waters of the Mediterranean, a love that would chart the course of his next six decades.Mike went on to study at the University of Denver, earning a BA in Environmental Science, and launched his career in solar andenvironmentally focused industries. When the solar boom of the early 1980s dimmed, he pivoted to the rapidly rising world of technology, spending 15 successful years in computer product and service sales-eventually leading and mentoring teams of other sales professionals.But by 2000, as the tech bubble collapsed, Mike felt called toward something more hands-on and personally meaningful. That drive ledhim into home remodeling, where he spent years helping homeowners improve the spaces they lived in-selling windows, siding, roofing, and general contracting services.In 2017, Mike took his boldest professional step yet: launching his own kitchen remodeling business. Partnering with a seasoned generalcontractor, he focused on what he does best-connecting with clients, shaping inspired designs, and guiding projects from concept tocontract. The result has been a period of both creative fulfillment and lasting success.Through every career chapter, one constant has remained: the call of the water. Mike continued to seek out sailing adventures big andsmall, exploring coastlines across the country on boats of all kinds and with countless companions. In 2023, he began capturing his mostunforgettable journeys on paper.Those stories became this book-an invitation to share in a lifetime of wind, water, and adventure.
