This is a collection of short memoirs about all the boating Matthew Goldman has done in his life-in sailboats, canoes, rowboats, and assorted other floating craft. Most of it is nearly true; the rest has been embellished to make it worthwhile reading. It is descriptive, lyrical, wistful, and, at times, introspective.
Although it is about boating, it includes other aspects of waterfront life: fishing, swimming, building an octagonal cottage on an island, repairing boats, and pursuing mermaids-all have parts to play. In the end, the book is about the decision to either grow old and die or continue boating.