Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical, 2000: £ 14.99

Which of us has not felt the urge to test ourselves by setting out across the Atlantic? Les Weatheritt, a CA member, has taken that leap into the unknown and written , not a staid old salt's book, but a human, humorous account of how he came to decide to go, of his preparations and researches, and how they all worked out in the event.

The chapters, each devoted to an aspect of the voyage, start with a list of Les’ thoughts on the subject, followed by an account of what actually happened and some comments on what might have been done differently. Les had an enjoyable and successful voyage. His preparations were well planned and executed. Some of his tips are quite novel like making courtesy flags from sail cloth and paint, and buying photocopies of charts in Las Palmas. He warns against drinking African water.

This is an excellent guide to the planning of your Atlantic crossing. Read all the other books, but keep this one by you for reference. It will enable you to decide whether the big pond crossing is for you. What it will not do is, having succesfully made your great adventure, help you to decide where to go next. Les is remarkably reticent about returning to the daily grind. - BH

Page prepared 21 August 2000