Letters from the Caribbean
Sailing in the West Indies
By Andrea & Ian Treleaven
New Holland - $39.99

Many of us have dreamt about having the time, the beautiful yacht and the adventurous spirit to explore some of the world’s most exotic coastlines and cultures. Kiwi yachties, Ian and Andrea Treleaven, continue to make this dream a reality and in their new book Letters from the Caribbean, they share travel-tales from their two-season journey sailing around the Caribbean.
I am not a sailor but reading this gorgeous book makes me want to jump on a plane to go and join the authors.

As the former head of Musto Australia and an expert yachtsman himself, Ian, along with his wife Andrea felt it was time to embark on a new journey after four incredible seasons exploring the Mediterranean (see, Letters from the Med). With a brand new yacht, Cape Finisterre, they kick-start their next adventure with the annual two-week Atlantic Race for Cruisers, starting off with Spain and Morocco and finishing in St Lucia. 

In Letters from the Caribbean, the Treleavens take us on a truly enviable journey through Antigua and Grenada, to the Virgin Islands and Cuba, soaking up every bit of culture when stepping onto the shore… From Le Grand Carnival in Martinique, champagne and sailing during the Antigua Classic Race Week, through to seeing the Southern Cross in the night sky on the sail from Cuba to Grand Cayman Island.

As a compilation of beautiful personal photographs, notes and letters home, the book is a travel memoir of a bejewelled turquoise paradise. With sections of delicious local recipes and cocktails adapted to be cooked and sampled from the boat (or at home!) as well as essential food lists, Letters from the Caribbean is also a must-have to take on board.


For those seriously contemplating a trip like the Treleavens, in the Caribbean or elsewhere I am sure  Ian’s tried and tested practical sailing tips throughout the book will prove invaluable for both skippers and navigators.

About the authors - 
After eight sailing seasons, there’s not much the New Zealand husband and wife team of Ian and Andrea Treleaven don’t know about life on board, whether cruising in the Mediterranean – about which they wrote and illustrated in their first book, Letters from the Med – or, more recently, in the Caribbean.
Before embarking on this idyllic life, Ian and Andrea owned a nautical clothing business in New Zealand. They moved to Australia where they gradually expanded the operation. In 2003 they sold the business, and they continue to live in Sydney when they are not cruising.