Bruce Van Sant has been cruising the Caribbean since l979 and he holds strong opinions (about most everything). This, the 6th edition, is NOT simply a catalogue of restaurants and shops to visit, or a detailed description of port facilities available to cruisers. Captain Van Sant shares with us his ideas on HOW & WHEN a small boat jamming 1200 miles to windward with sexagenarians at the helm" can comfortably and safely cruise the northern Caribbean (south of the Virgins only rates 8 pages of coverage).

Although he includes some interesting charts and town maps for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the main thrust of his book is how to live aboard and get along ashore, with minimal hassles and maximum comfort, from Florida to the Virgins. Topics range from local weather, dealing with bureaucrats and culture shock, and communication to developing your own cruising style.

Van Sant has lived many years in the Dominican Republic, his wife Rosa is a Dominican, so his coverage of that country is especially good, particularly Liperon.

Van Sant's provocative style make this an interesting read for any cruiser, particularly those headed for his stomping grounds. WWD