A guide to what is needed and how to prepare for the biggest adventure of your sailing life.
Having been on the steep learning curve of 20 years of single handed Transatlantic racing and after 16 years of double handed Atlantic and Pacific ocean cruising I hope to give practical advice and discuss some essential requirements to make cruising life for the novice cruiser a success and the best experience of a lifetime.
No glorified descriptions of wonderful remote and secluded anchorages watching the sunset with a gin and tonic in hand on the aft deck or a palm fronted beach. Of course that happens and is more likely the result of good planning and thorough preparation which I think is essential to make cruising life a happy life.
The ideal Yacht and her Equipment
Is there such a thing as the ideal cruising boat? Judging at the variety of yachts on display at anchorages and in marinas around the world, the answer is NO. One notices many different hull types, materials, shapes, and rigs. Cruisers preferences, technical development, fashion and racing rules play a role.
Chapters
- Hull types and materials
- Rigs and rigging
- Safety, protection and accessibility
- Sails and engine
- Anchor gear
- Rudder and steering
- Dinghy and outboard
- Safety equipment
- Insurance, paperwork and money
- Power management
- Navigation and charting
- Communications
- Maintenance, back-ups, spares and tools
- Health matters
- Emergency management