Am reading Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander, the first novel to feature "Lucky" Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. The book is bursting with nautical and historical detail, dialogue slathered with slang and accents, understated humour and vivid glimpses into the risk-filled, uncertain life of a ship's crew.

Fun stuff, fun stuff. I've always had a soft spot for old sailing ships. Nautical terms fascinate me, knots and navigation continue to flummox me. I wished I'd ended up in the Navy for my National Service, even though a former close friend of mine who did receive a posting there complained vehemently about life on a ship. If I recall correctly, his diatribe revolved around seasickness and violent puking. Especially during storms.