Book Reviews

This is the fourth edition of the designs of the group created by Jay Benford. It is often said that there has never been a designer who can design the interior as well as the exterior of a yacht. Obviously a statement that would be hotly disputed by the designers, however when one meets such an original and gifted man as Jay Benford, anyone interested in a cruising yacht will be fascinated in his ideas. Of course one way around the above statement is to have a team working on each design. He has.

Cruising Designs covers a vast number of different yachts, sail and power, from 17ft to 90ft divided into many groups, the names of which will not be familiar to every Englishman. The designs are certainly of the true comfortable cruiser rather than the more sporty types often popular for short distance cruising nowadays but the different ways that each problem is solved will be fascinating to all.

A little more care with the book’s presentation could impress more but the reference to the "previous sixteen pages" on the seventh page of type doesn't really detract from the examples of over 300 different plans.

One feels that every individual design is a really tried out functional craft that has been imaginatively created for a discerning yachtsman who knows what he wants and has enough experience of the sea to enjoy the individuality of his craft. It will give those who study the designs many hours of fascination. - RPY

Price: £19.99

The wealth of experience, which Hal Roth exhibits in his excellent book on the handling of sailing craft under extreme storm conditions, is used to describe how to survive in situations most recreational sailors would hope never to encounter.

However, his practical common sense solutions in dealing with the various aspects of heavy weather sailing in the great oceans of the world, gives us all some very useful pointers to our own boat handling, in one hopes, rather less extreme conditions. As wind conditions progressively increase, Hal details the most effective reefing methods as winds reach Force 6, heaving to in Force 7, lying a-hull in Force 8 and running off in a full gale. In the most severe conditions, he advocates the deployment of a sea anchor from the bows or preferably a drogue from the stern to slow the boat down and to keep it aligned with the wind, and explores the merits of the various drogue designs available.

As an alternative to heaving to, the practicalities of fore reaching under a reefed mainsail or a storm trysail are discussed, as well as the mechanics of hurricanes. Diagrams are used to illustrate where to locate a boat in respect to the eye, in order to have the best chance of survival, if caught in its path.

There are also some excellent chapters on the general planning of long passages and he closes with the reproduction of Admiral FitzRoy’s (of Beagle fame) 1858 paper entitled “Barometer and Weather Guide” which gives advice on the interpretation of barometric readings. This advice is still as sound today as it was then and is of particular relevance to all of us who sail for pleasure.

Hal Roth’s book provides a most interesting and informative read and reminds us all of the ever constant need for the careful planning of any cruise regardless of it’s length, if we are to avoid the risk of an encounter with the conditions he describes with such enthusiasm. - RWF

Price: £14.99

Yet another book is published on choosing, buying, equipping and learning to sail a yacht. But this one is about “New Yachting”: plastics, marinas, satellite navigation……. Based on modern boats such as the Laser, Southerly 43 and a cruising catamaran, everything you need to know as a new owner is there between the covers: Plus something new even for experienced sailors.

Under the headings of basic principles, preparing to sail and first sail, ,tides and the weather, we are led through to the basics of navigation to safety at sea. This includes, for open keelboats and for offshore cruisers, useful checklists of safety equipment.

Superbly illustrated in colour throughout, this reviewer particularly welcomed the sections on knots, ropes and running rigging; the correct use of cleats and winches and the stowage of halyards to avoid a tangle in the cockpit. Good value - JFP

Price: £11.99

We have all spent time leafing through sailing magazines looking longingly at boats and equipment that in reality we cannot afford. Sailing as a pastime, however, comes with a large price tag and in the present stringent times those dreams of boat ownership can fade away but hope is at hand in Alistair Buchan’s excellent handbook. Condensed into 138 pages is a wealth of information on all aspects of sailing on a realistic budget. It is aimed mainly at those who are starting out but contains much that is of practical use to the established sailor.

He guides us through the decision-making process in choosing the kind of sailing you are aiming for, acquiring the right boat whether it be new, second-hand, DIY or a refitting job and where you might find it. There are useful hints too on doing your own surveying with a comprehensive checklist for both above and below deck including the engine. Only then can you decide on which boat is worth a professional survey! The whole process clearly demands considerable investment of time and effort but can be rewarded by considerable saving on costs.

The author follows through to berthing and mooring expenses, maintenance, annual refits, sources of personal gear and even shoestring cruising strategies. He has thought of everything you need to know based on his 50 years of cruising experience. All you have to do is get out there, start your search and realise that dream for next season not forgetting to take Alistair Buchan along with you. - Patricia Cooper