The Books
Two powerful books shaped by decades aboard Tabor Boy.
Explore James E. Geil’s maritime nonfiction books—works that bring together real-world seamanship, offshore adventure, mentorship, humor, and the enduring legacy of a historic schooner at Tabor Academy.
Where experience becomes story
These books are ideal for readers who love maritime history, nonfiction adventure, life at sea, and stories shaped by discipline, trust, and real responsibility.
From early fascination to a lasting nautical career
Adventures Aboard Tabor Boy
Tales About a Schooner’s Historic Legacy at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts
Adventures Aboard Tabor Boy is a vivid collection of experiences, weather, challenges, and unforgettable moments drawn from James E. Geil’s thirty-five years working with high school students aboard Tabor Academy’s ninety-two-foot schooner, Tabor Boy.
Ranging from the rockbound coast of Maine to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, these stories capture the beauty, tension, discipline, and wonder of offshore passage making. The result is a book that feels both adventurous and reflective—one that preserves the spirit of the vessel while bringing readers close to the demands and rewards of life at sea.
What makes this book stand out
It offers a more episodic, story-rich reading experience—perfect for readers who enjoy immersive nautical scenes, memorable incidents, and the atmosphere of a life lived aboard a storied vessel.
Best for readers who love
Offshore sailing, maritime history, descriptive nonfiction, sea stories, and books that preserve the personality and legacy of a remarkable schooner.
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.
From early fascination to a lasting nautical career
Sailing a North Sea Pilot Schooner
My Years Aboard Tabor Boy
In Sailing a North Sea Pilot Schooner, James E. Geil tells the broader narrative of his years aboard Tabor Academy’s schooner Tabor Boy and the life events that led him to that calling. It is the foundational memoir behind the world these books share.
While many sail-training captains and crew move on quickly, he remained with Tabor and Tabor Boy for thirty-five years. That long commitment gives this book unusual depth, bringing together personal beginnings, seamanship, student mentorship, hard-won lessons, and the rich history of an extraordinary vessel.
Why readers value this book
It combines a captain’s memoir with the deeper story of how a life at sea took shape—making it appealing not only to sailors, but also to readers interested in purpose, discipline, and leadership.
Ideal for readers seeking
A true-life nautical narrative with humor, grit, responsibility, and insight into the bond between a captain, a vessel, and generations of students.
These pages preserve not only the adventures of a remarkable schooner, but the lessons, humor, discipline, and trust that shaped life aboard her.
“One of my most treasured books from an extraordinary captain.”
Readers praise the book for its knowledge, humor, history, and the lasting lessons Captain Geil passed on through both words and example.
Sofia Vakhutinsky | Amazon Review
“Fascinating story navigating life and an extraordinary vessel.”
The book leaves a lasting impression through its sense of discipline, care, trust, and memorable experiences aboard Tabor Boy.
C | Amazon Review
Which Book Is Right for You?
Two distinct reading experiences connected by one remarkable vessel
While both books are rooted in the world of Tabor Boy, each offers a different doorway into James E. Geil’s writing. Together, they create a rich and memorable portrait of life at sea.
Choose Adventures Aboard Tabor Boy
A remarkable span of service in nautical education and student mentorship.
Choose Sailing a North Sea Pilot Schooner
If you want the larger life-and-career memoir that explains how the journey began and what sustained it.
Choose both books
If you want the fullest view of the vessel, the voyages, the students, and the decades that shaped Captain Geil’s story.
Perfect for gifting
These books make meaningful gifts for sailors, maritime enthusiasts, former students, and readers of nonfiction adventure.
Have a question about the books?
Visit the Contact page for general inquiries related to James E. Geil and his books. Whether you need clarification about the titles or would like to send a message, the Contact page is the best place to reach out.