Cruising for Cowards

Romany Publishing, 1997; 272 pp; b&w cartoon drawings; £....;

Although both British by birth, Andy and Liza Copeland have lived in Canada for much of their adult lives, and, indeed, “Cruising for Cowards” is published there. The book under review is largely based on their experiences during a six year circumnavigation in Bagheera their Beneteau First 38, although they were highly experience sailors before setting of on this voyage with their three children. The book is arranged alphabetically, and deals with all the subjects one might expect of a guide for would-be ocean cruisers. The authors come down strongly in favour of the modern performance cruiser such as their own, and take a very pragmatic approach to making the best use of modern aids and equipment, provided the crew have back up systems and the skills to use them.

The cartoon ilustrations are mildly amusing but not especially illuminatiing; this reviewer would have liked to have seen more explanatory drawings or photographs. The book is, however, well-written and very useful for its intended audience. CN