Neil has written 3 books to date:-

This is a true story of adventure aboard a small sailboat.

Disillusioned with his life of normality a young man decides to buy an 18ft sailboat, make her his home and set sail in search of adventure.

He finds it. Single-handedly sailing the South Coast of England to Falmouth. Working as yacht delivery crew. Near shipwreck on Spain’s ‘Costa da Morte’- the Coast Of Death. Fire onboard in the Atlantic. Engine failure in the Mediterranean. Then he decides to sail his own tiny boat across the Bay of Biscay.  It doesn’t go well.

This is a book not just about sailing but about life. It’s about what happens at the very limits of physical, emotional, and mental capacity.

Ultimately it’s about how personal tragedy led to a life-changing discovery – The realisation that hidden deep inside of us all is the perseverance and passion needed for achieving long-term goals.

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They describe the story as inspirational, thought-provoking, and down-to-earth. Readers praise the author’s honesty and approach as likeable. They also praise the writing style as nicely written and from the heart.

Available on Amazon as a paperback or for Kindle – here

Neil’s first book, ‘A Foolish Voyage’ told of his youthful adventures aboard a small sailboat. Both the story and his dream came to a dramatic end in the Bay of Biscay.

‘A Foolish Odyssey’ picks up where the last ended. His dream lost and the adventure over Neil returns to dry land. 20 years of conformity ensues. It’s a roller coaster ride.
Then at the age of fifty, he loses everything .. again.
Alone, depressed and on the verge of giving up, he stumbles across a forgotten book.

It rekindles a dream.
He must build a boat.
He must return to the sea.
He must escape.
It’s time for more foolishness.

Customers find the book very readable, enjoyable, and great. They describe the storyline as real, inspirational, and interesting. Readers praise the writing style as well-written, candid, thoughtful, and declarative. They also appreciate the honesty and brutal account of a boat build.

Available on Amazon as a paperback or for Kindle – here

‘A Foolish Escape’, Neil describes his four years of trying to ‘live the dream’ and stay afloat (literally and figuratively).

Sacha Guitry, the French actor and playwright once said – “Our wisdom comes from our experience, and our experience comes from our foolishness”. If that’s true, Mr Hawkesford must surely be a wise man.

Customers find the book fascinating and a good read for sailors. They describe it as insightful, inspiring, and honest. Readers also praise the writing style as well-written and down-to-earth.

Available on Amazon as a paperback or for Kindle – here.