Blue Water Sailing Manual

Publisher: Adlard Coles
 

Publication Date: 2006

This is a great book if you are interested in, or considering taking part in, oceanic racing, however the descriptive text on the cover indicates that the book has wider audience.  Putting this minor gripe aside all aspects of oceanic racing are covered from boat construction, preparation and planning and a section on being out at sea. The book was first published in 1985 and has now been updated with sections from such luminaries as Chay Blyth, Andrew Roberts, Mike Golding and Pete Goss.  All areas of the sport are thoroughly covered with plenty of well produced diagrams and photographs.  Each of the three parts contains sub-sections that are full of pertinent information, for instance there are 30 pages on medical matters with details on medical kits, dealing with injuries sustained at sea and a comprehensive list of medical manuals. In one area, however, this book is flawed as it tries to catch all voyagers as well as the racers.  Some of the techniques for dealing with heavy weather are geared towards to a fully crewed racing vessel and could be potentially dangerous for short handed sailors.  For instance, the advice to keep a high boat speed up to steer a boat out of breaking seas is fine with a full, fit, experienced crew but potentially very dangerous for a couple who have to maintain their strength over a long period. It is a shame about the title, as I’d liked to have given the book full marks instead of caveats. - CRE