The Sailor's Weather Guide

Publisher: Sheridan House, 1995 $19.95

Jeff Markell’s book is more than just a “guide” to the weather. It is a detailed treatise on the science of weather together with a discussion of wave formation and advice on sailboat handling in adverse conditions. It is published in the USA essentially for those sailing North American waters.

There is some discussion of ocean crossings but nothing specific to European waters, which are, on the whole, very different from much of North America. Our UK weather is dominated by cyclonic weather systems and these are dealt with, but sea breezes, for example, which can be an important factor in the UK during settled summer weather, receive only a brief mention. There is much that is appropriate to the UK but you have first to understand our weather in order to sort out the relevant material.

This said, it is a very readable book. The material is well explained for the lay man. The illustrations are excellent, with numerous line drawings and black and white photographs supporting the text. For anyone planning a North American cruise this would be a useful book as there is much in the weather patterns of that continent that would not be familiar to UK sailors. - AEB

Page prepared 6 July 1999