New AcquisitionsThe Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South; Bruce Van Sant; Cruising Guide Publications, 8th ed., 2003; $29.95; CA 16235
This is a comprehensive cruiser’s guide to anyone wishing to sail south from Florida to South America, ie the uphill route against the prevailing Trades. The author has sailed these waters on delivery and personal cruises since 1979 and clocked 70,000 miles and it shows through in his detailed knowledge of the sailing conditions and his strategies for making the best of what could be a wearing 1500 mile beat. Bruce has strong views on most things, some a little quirky to this British reviewer, but the overall impression is one of good general advice and guidance borne of hard-won experience
The format of the book starts with advice on crew, then boat tactics covering anchoring, provisioning, boat maintenance and VHF procedures. The book then proceeds through island weather, cruising strategies and a section on island lees (the author’s advice on how to mitigate the effects of the Trades). There are then sections of detailed pilotage from Florida and most islands south, including the Bahamas, Lesser Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The routing for the remainder is sparser, offering either a direct passage to Bonaire, the island off Venezuela, or island hopping through the Caribbean.
This book is subtitled ‘Sailing directions for easier windward passage making in the islands from Florida to Venezuela, and a handbook for Caribbean Cruising’. If you are a hairy chested sailor who yearns slamming, bashing and hard work this book is not for you. If like me you sail for enjoyment and pleasure, buy this book if you are considering this passage. - CRE
Page created 12 August 2003
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