Books
These are some of the books we have on board. They have all proved indispensable. If they haven’t, I’ll tell you! Click on the links below to see Amazon reviews on the books.
First of all though, is of course all the manual for every piece of equipment on the boat. For example here you can download the manual for our Yanmar 3JH3E engines
  |
Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat’s Essential Systems by Nigel Calder This book has everything. Whatever needs fixing or maintaining, look in here first. |
  |
Troubleshooting Marine Diesels by Peter Compton
Very clear troubleshooting flow charts, and excellent tips on keeping the engine going. |
  |
Offshore Sailing: 200 Essential Passagemaking Tips by Bill Seifert
This and the next two books have tons of tips and ideas. Why figure it all out by yourself, when you can have experienced people share their hard-earned wisdom? However, most of the tips have monohulls in mind, so you may have to make some adaptations if you are on a cat. Still very helpful though |
  |
Why Didn’t I Think of That? : 1,198 Tips from 222 Sailors on 120 Boats from 9 Countries |
  |
How to Sail Around the World : Advice and Ideas for Voyaging Under Sail by Hal Roth
Read this before you buy a boat and take off! You’ll get inspired – and also a lot of great advice and ideas. |
  |
World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell. This is the definitive bible on planning long passages – across seas and oceans. Concise but vital information on the best times to travel, what route to take, and what weather you might encounter.Also visit his site Noonsite which has information on every country, for example entry requirements, as well has up to date information about piracy and security concerns.
Use this in conjunction with an Atlas of Pilot Charts which displays, for each month of the year, the average wind and waves you are likely to encounter for each 120 mile square of sea. Includes also the percentage or calms and gales for each square. |
  |
The Concise Guide to Caribbean Weather (Second edition) by David Jones Small but very informative book on how weather works in the Caribbean (which is different from more northern lattitudes). |
  |
The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South by Bruce Van Sant. A dogmatic (but fun) style, to be sure. But some great information about sailing through the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and other islands on the way to South America. Why beat your brains out battling a force five on the nose, when you can use Bruce’s tips to find favorable weather windows and island weather influences that will make your sail quicker, easier and a lot less stressful. |
Hi Noel,
Your parents told us of your new adventure. Looks like you are having a whale of a time. Met Karen and your sons at Mitzi’s 50th birthday party. Pleased you are keeping so well.
Best wishes
Kim & Stephen x
Thanks Kim,
Good to hear from you!
Yes, having some super adventures for sure!
Noel