Cruising 101

Freefall Press;191pp; illus.b&w; 0-9658247-8-0; $us 17.95;

Have you dreamed of slipping your moorings and cruising into the sunset? Don’t go until you have fully understood the pitfalls and problems overcome by the authors, described with wit, humour and understanding. Though their accumulated wisdom is aimed at those contemplating severing ties with land-locked lives, for every one of those there are hundreds who dream of owning a boat only to find, as many marinas bear witness, that to him/her or the cruising partner, the reality is less attractive than the dream. Cruising 101 is strongly recommended reading to anyone contemplating the purchase of their first boat, as well as those heading temporarily or permanently into the blue yonder.

Packed with easily read advice on converting your dream into reality, from finding the right boat, cash problems, modifying and equipping, provisioning, etiquette of the sea and how to make and keep friends. The stress is on one essential ingredient determining success or failure - your attitude on embarkation, which must be flexible, adaptable, and prepared for whatever comes: establish commitment with your cruising partner. Overall, be kind to those who sail with you - anyone sailed with an irascible partner? SF