November 10th, 2008 — Boating, Book Review
This week I am posting the book review early as Friday is a holiday. Happy 4th of July all!
Although this book was written primarily for the UK market, there is still plenty of great advice for boaters around the world and it can easily be adapted for owners in any location. The author is an experienced sailor that has traveled to many exotic locations around the world aboard his yacht and you'll learn some great techniques and share in some of those adventures while reading this book. It's a fast paced read that is well worth the time and most boaters should be able to get something out of it, even if they have never piloted a yacht before.
This review refers to the fourth edition of this book, since it is updated quite frequently. Each subsequent version has been so well received since the first one came out and the updates make it well worth buying again and again. So many books that offer updates fall flat and you end up feeling a bit ripped off after buying what is essentially the same book again, but this one manages to steer clear of those murky waters. It's a book that you'll want to revisit time and time again and the updates are always useful, especially as yachting technology changes.
Many consider this book to be a bit of a bible for anyone that is interested in owning and operating their own yacht, and it also incredibly helpful for those who only rent one occasionally or are thinking of buying a yacht in the future. It is a totally comprehensive guide not only on the theory of yachtmanship but also its practice. Many books drone on and on about theory and fall short when it comes to giving tips on how to put that theory into action. Once again, the author manages to avoid that trap and delivers a powerful read that will have you raring to go in just a few minutes.
When it comes to buying a book about piloting a yacht it is very important to make sure that the author is experienced in many different aspects. Just one trip does not a polished author make and with this particular author, you're getting the benefit of his years of experience as well as information that he has been able to put to use and test during his many years at sea. The journeys he has taken are epic in proportion and serve as a terrific guide for the rest of us, even if we're just going to be tooling about in a harbor.
Overall, this is a terrific read that should be purchased by anyone serious about yachting. You'll be able to learn quite a lot in a very short amount of time and the knowledge can be put to good use immediately. The tone of the book is very engaging and it's never a dull read. You'll get a lot out of it and chances are, you'll want to go back to it again and again.
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June 20th, 2008 — Boating, Book Review
When you want to learn proper seamanship, what better way that to go straight to the Navy. This is the perfect book for beginners and professionals alike that need to learn solid techniques, and really understand what it means to be a good seamen. This book is very easy to read and is so packed with powerful tips that it definitely deserves more than one read. If you've purchased a previous edition of the book, we still recommend investing in this latest copy, due to the fact that it has been extensively revised and even more important information has been added.
The book was first published in 1983 and has since undergone many updatings. The world of boating is constantly in flux and it's nice to see that the author has been so committed to keeping everyone updated on these changes and introducing new things and concepts to keep it fresh. When this book was first released it quickly shot to stardom and it has certainly been well deserved. If you are looking for the definitive bible on how to operate, maintain and care for your boat, look no further.
The author starts by making sure that you know absolutely every inch of your boat before you take it out on the water. No matter if it's a little fishing boat or an expensive yacht, it's vital to understand how everything on your boat works before you actually start using it. Even if you're an occasional boater that simply rents a boat whenever you want to head out on the water, it is still useful to learn all of these basics so that you can be prepared for whatever your boating session may throw at you.
A large portion of the book is devoted to safety and knowing how to handle emergencies. This is incredibly useful information and should be read several times. We also recommend taking a copy out on the water with you in the event that you run into trouble. Chances are, your emergency has already been covered in detail in the book and you'll be able to get the quick answers you need to get out of trouble. Boating doesn't have to be dangerous and if you're well prepared before you head out, you'll be able to avoid a lot of common mistakes that can lead to disaster.
He also goes into the traditions of being a sailor and you'll really gain more of an appreciation of what it means to get in touch with that side of yourself. The book is incredibly well written and bypasses a lot of the jargon that can be difficult for novices to grasp. Sailing is also covered and there are some useful tips here that are commonly glossed over by other similar books.
Overall, this is a must read and we simply cannot say enough nice things about this book. Buy it, read it and re-read it again. You'll be glad you did.
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