Step into the world of Captain James E. Geil—where offshore passages, hard-earned lessons, student leadership, and the living history of a ninety-two-foot schooner come together in two vivid nonfiction books.
Discover two compelling books rooted in decades of life aboard Tabor Academy’s historic schooner—books that bring together offshore adventure, mentorship, and the enduring spirit of the sea.
From the coast of Maine to the Virgin Islands and beyond, James E. Geil’s books capture not only life aboard a historic schooner, but the responsibility, humor, risk, and mentorship that defined it.
Years at Tabor Academy
Caribbean voyages and return passages
Books centered on the world of Tabor Boy
For readers drawn to maritime history, offshore adventure, and true stories shaped by discipline and experience, James E. Geil’s books offer a rare and deeply authentic perspective. Together, these two works preserve the world of Tabor Boy—its voyages, its lessons, its challenges, and the unforgettable moments shared at sea.
A compelling collection of vivid accounts from decades aboard Tabor Academy’s training vessel—ranging from weather, offshore passages, and seamanship to lighter moments, reflection, and memory.
This title is ideal for readers drawn to nautical life, episodic storytelling, and the atmosphere of being at sea.
The foundational memoir tracing the life events, decisions, and opportunities that led James E. Geil to a thirty-five-year career aboard Tabor Boy.
This book brings together personal beginnings, seamanship, responsibility, and the deeper meaning of teaching young people beyond the classroom.
Here, under the press of an inflexible schedule, I am reoriented to the rhythm of the passing days, to the verities of the sunrise, to the inescapable symbolism of the sunset.
James E. Geil’s books are not only about sailing. They are about the standards, trust, and personal growth that emerge when young people are given real responsibility in the real world. Aboard Tabor Boy, the sea becomes a classroom, each voyage becomes a test of character, and every challenge leaves a lasting mark.
Tabor Boy stands at the center of these books as a vessel of tradition, challenge, and memory—an extraordinary schooner that shaped the lives of countless students and sailors.
James E. Geil writes not only as a captain, but as a teacher whose years with students at sea turned discipline, trust, and example into lasting lessons.
These books carry the weight of true experience—marked by weather, fatigue, humor, danger, reflection, and the quiet discipline that life at sea demands.
Readers respond to Captain Geil’s work for its honesty, depth, and enduring sense of place. Whether they know the world of sailing well or simply love a powerful true story, they find in these books a rare blend of seamanship, character, humor, and lived wisdom.
Adventures Aboard Tabor Boy
A well-written book full of fun stories about a great sailing vessel—ideal for readers who love the sea.
Sailing a North Sea Pilot Schooner
A powerful blend of knowledge, life lessons, humor, and history from someone students deeply respected.
Adventures Aboard Tabor Boy
A well-written book full of fun stories about a great sailing vessel—ideal for readers who love the sea.
James E. Geil taught nautical science at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts for thirty-five years, captaining Tabor Boy through seasons of instruction, offshore travel, and unforgettable learning experiences for generations of students.
His writing reflects the same qualities readers associate with great captains and great teachers: steadiness, clarity, humor, discipline, and respect for the journey.
Explore two books shaped by decades of seamanship, teaching, offshore passages, and unforgettable experiences at sea. Whether you are a sailor, a lover of nonfiction adventure, or a reader drawn to stories of leadership and growth, these books invite you aboard.
