Sailor in the Whitehouse

The Seafaring Life of FDR

Biography & Memoir, Political
Cover of the book Sailor in the Whitehouse by Robert F. Cross, Naval Institute Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert F. Cross ISBN: 9781612515007
Publisher: Naval Institute Press Publication: January 15, 2014
Imprint: Naval Institute Press Language: English
Author: Robert F. Cross
ISBN: 9781612515007
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Publication: January 15, 2014
Imprint: Naval Institute Press
Language: English
This behind-the-scenes look at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s extraordinary skill as a blue-water sailor explores how FDR’s love of the sea shaped his approach to public service and even influenced the course of events in World War II. Family and friends, Secret Service agents, and others reveal never-before-told stories of their days afloat with America’s greatest seafaring president, including how he escaped injury when fire broke out aboard his small schooner, how ships were modified to accommodate his disability, and details of his wartime ocean rendezvous with Winston Churchill. Sailing pals discuss his abilities as a skipper along with his enjoyment of an evening cocktail at sea during the days of Prohibition. Letters and other documents illustrate how the sea was never far from Roosevelt’s thoughts.

Robert Cross examines Roosevelt’s great affection for the sea in the context of an era dominated by the Great Depression and two world wars. While some criticized Roosevelt for taking too many seagoing trips-he lagged hundreds of thousands of miles at sea and was sometimes out of touch with the White House and the Secret Service for hours-FDR was quick to explain that his lengthy voyages allowed him to personally assess the world situation instead of relying solely upon White House briefing books. The author argues that the skills required to be a good sailor have much in common with those needed to be a successful politician: the ability to alter courses, make compromises, and shift positions as the situation warrants. Cross describes FDR as a master at dealing with the unexpected, allowing him to excel in the Navy Department, the governor’s mansion, and the White House, as well as the open sea. From luxury ocean liners and presidential yachts to submarines and kayaks, this book lists all of the vessels on which FDR sailed and includes some never-before-published photographs.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
This behind-the-scenes look at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s extraordinary skill as a blue-water sailor explores how FDR’s love of the sea shaped his approach to public service and even influenced the course of events in World War II. Family and friends, Secret Service agents, and others reveal never-before-told stories of their days afloat with America’s greatest seafaring president, including how he escaped injury when fire broke out aboard his small schooner, how ships were modified to accommodate his disability, and details of his wartime ocean rendezvous with Winston Churchill. Sailing pals discuss his abilities as a skipper along with his enjoyment of an evening cocktail at sea during the days of Prohibition. Letters and other documents illustrate how the sea was never far from Roosevelt’s thoughts.

Robert Cross examines Roosevelt’s great affection for the sea in the context of an era dominated by the Great Depression and two world wars. While some criticized Roosevelt for taking too many seagoing trips-he lagged hundreds of thousands of miles at sea and was sometimes out of touch with the White House and the Secret Service for hours-FDR was quick to explain that his lengthy voyages allowed him to personally assess the world situation instead of relying solely upon White House briefing books. The author argues that the skills required to be a good sailor have much in common with those needed to be a successful politician: the ability to alter courses, make compromises, and shift positions as the situation warrants. Cross describes FDR as a master at dealing with the unexpected, allowing him to excel in the Navy Department, the governor’s mansion, and the White House, as well as the open sea. From luxury ocean liners and presidential yachts to submarines and kayaks, this book lists all of the vessels on which FDR sailed and includes some never-before-published photographs.

More books from Naval Institute Press

Cover of the book Laughter in the Shadows by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Riders of the Apocalypse by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Through the Valley by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Sky Ships by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book 21st Century Mahan by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Sole Survivors of the Sea by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Far China Station by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book India's Wars by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Character in Action by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Pirate Nation by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Strike Warfare by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Faithful Warriors by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Moon Men Return by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book Leadership in Dangerous Situations by Robert F. Cross
Cover of the book To the Walls of Derne by Robert F. Cross
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy