Marin County's spectacular Pacific coast has been noted as both one of the most beautiful locations on earth and—for some early mariners—a place of absolute terror. The rocky coast here has claimed hundreds of ships and the lives of thousands of sailors. Though long known for its beautiful natural settings of woodlands, beaches, and hills, Marin's maritime history is surprisingly varied, with tales of English pirates, Spanish explorers, Yankee whalers, and an immense wartime shipbuilding effort. The rocky seascapes and sandy beaches of Point Reyes, Bolinas, and Stinson Beach—along with the bay-side villages of Sausalito, Tiburon, and San Rafael—have long been important ports for commercial and pleasure mariners.
Author Branwell Fanning, a seasoned historian, sailor, and world traveler, has also written Images of America: The Tiburon Peninsula and Marin County, and coauthored Angel Island. He presents here vintage images of Marin's diverse maritime chapters, drawing from his private collection as well the archives of the San Francisco Maritime Historical National Park and information from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's landmark Submerged Cultural Resources Assessment study. Fanning brings this little-known facet of Marin's history to life in a fascinating survey of boats, ships, and the people who live their lives around them.