Here are some comments from recent reviewers:
"Sailing to the Heart of Japan is a superb work.... an excellent read for anyone, whether or not a mariner, contemplating an extended stay in Japan." - Ocean Navigator magazine (USA)
"Who better than a retired, now-sailing diplomat and his partner to introduce us to a new place - and especially to a different culture? This book traverses geographies both physical and soulful." - Boating New Zealand magazine (NZ):
"(Nick's) latest book narrates an adventurous voyage from New Zealand all the way up to Japan. It's an epic trip to take in a 27ft yacht and offers further intrigue due to the fact that Japan is rarely explored by yachtsmen. The book is full of practical tips for cruising the area..." - Sailing Today magazine (UK)
"This is a well-researched and well written read for those with or without intention to sail in Japan. It is packed with interesting cultural insights, and lots of historical context. It paints a picture of the friendliness and generosity that the Coghlans found in Japan. The appendix is full of useful comprehensive harbour information, very hard to obtain in Japan, with waypoints for guidance. The book is a good read..." - Royal Cruising Club (UK)
"Coghlan is a skilled writer and story-teller who captures the excitement and drama of the land of myths and legends, castles and temples, geishas and sumo wrestlers. Like some of the best travelogues, this book can be enjoyed by the armchair traveller who appreciates intriguing stories about Japan but it's also perfect for the serious sailor who needs comprehensive cruising notes. " - Pacific Yachting (Vancouver, Canada)
"This is a meticulously researched book accompanied by explanatory maps. Reaching beyond obvious cultural differences from our Western perspective, (Nick) achieves an almost amazing affinity with his subjects. It's a serious work, but you will still laugh a lot. Nick displays a robust sense of humour, and you will be both instructed and entertained as he and his wife/Admiral Jenny sail their Vancouver 27 sailboat from New Zealand to Japan and then onwards to Kodiak, Alaska." -
Bluewater Cruising Association (British Columbia, Canada)
"In one sense a delightful travel narrative intelligently guided by Nicholas, a diplomat who originally studied Modern languages at Oxford, the book also offers a very original perspective of Japan seen from tiny marinas and harbours. The narrative is always very real, intimate and immediate and supplemented by terrific photos." - QUAD (Oxford University Alumni magazine)
"I really enjoyed reading this book. Nick has a lovely writing style...A must-read for anybody contemplating a similar voyage." - Ahoy Cruise News (Island Cruising Association, NZ)
"A book that is insightful, perceptive, occasionally funny and an honest introduction to a voyage rarely undertaken." - FORUM (Canadian Foreign Service Alumni magazine
