August has been named National Dog Month, National Sandwich Month, and most dubiously, National Brownies at Brunch Month, but aquaphiles know the final month of summer is for kicking back on a boat with a cocktail and a good read.

We scoured this season’s newest releases to feature a mix of novels and non-fiction with ties to the sea, as well as e-books and audiobooks convenient for maritime voyages.

Our picks include murder mysteries on the high seas, true tales of swashbuckling pirates, and histories spanning thousands of years that paint a picture of our seafaring civilization. There’s also a tell-all exposé from a megayacht chef, and a beautiful five-and-a-half-pound coffee table book on the history of the Monaco Yacht Club for the salon of your superyacht.

Here are eight recommendations that let you sit back, relax and enjoy the journey. All aboard!