I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Deborah Hammett shares the journey of adventure and self-discovery she found after retiring in the book “Young Salt At Sixty.”

The Synopsis

Why settle for ordinary when you can make your retirement epic? This is your time to embrace adventure, push boundaries, and live your boldest dreams.

For Deborah Hammett, that dream didn’t reveal itself until after she retired from teaching on Martha’s Vineyard. Only then did she set her sights on an audacious new chapter—becoming a sailor. With her sharp wit and seasoned teaching skills, she not only masters the art of sailing but also guides and inspires fellow adventurers of all ages.

Join Deborah on her remarkable solo voyage from New England to the Southern Bahamas and back. Along the way, she conquers fears, navigates unexpected challenges, and reexamines long-held beliefs. Her journey is more than a sailing expedition—it’s a testament to the power of reinvention and the limitless possibilities that await when you dare to chase the horizon.

Why just retire when you can embark on the greatest adventure of your life?

This riveting tale of personal growth will:

• Empower you with the courage to live your dream fully
• Inspire you to confront your own biases
• Captivate you as you join in an enthralling sailing adventure
• Teach you the essential vocabulary and concepts the novice sailor must learn
• Give you the courage to think young and become something completely new and different in your golden years

If you are interested in sailing, or in making a significant lifestyle change in retirement, you must
read Young Salt at Sixty.

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The author did an excellent job of balancing the book with memoir-style storytelling, with insight into the world of sailing and so much more. The educational value and detail the author went into when discussing the world of sailing and how she was able to use her years as an educator to delve into the more technical aspects of sailing was engaging to get into for anyone with an interest in boating as a whole.

The book also perfectly brought an emotional component to this author’s story, showcasing the psychological and personal journey the author went on while confronting her fears, and embracing new challenges rather than feeling the need to slow down after retirement. This was a motivational message readers could get behind, speaking to the idea of embracing change and finding what makes us passionate in life. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, inspiring, and engaging, author Deborah Hammett’s “Young Salt at Sixty” is a must-read nonfiction book. The insight and educational value of the sailing experiences the author had were perfectly mirrored by the author’s emotional journey, and will resonate with many readers, both facing retirement and seeking the things that make us passionate for life again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Deborah Hammett grew up in Katonah, NY and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Western Connecticut State University. She moved to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in 1986 when she began her career as a teacher. She commuted off-island for graduate school and received her MEd. in school leadership from Salem State University. Within her thirty-three years as an educator, she taught at several grade levels and was a school principal before she retired and learned to sail. She has two grown daughters, Rilla and Emily. She now lives everywhere aboard her boat, Mavia.