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The Dinghy Cruising Companion 2nd edition: Tales and Advice from Sailing a Small Open Boat
'You will venture into the fringes of the wilderness with the minimum of simple gear, to live with it on its own terms. You will know that one of the sure ways to contentment in this life is a small boat, a fair wind, and a new coast to explore.'
Dinghy cruising is a wonderful way to experience nature and new coastlines at close quarters and low cost. Sailing where larger boats cannot reach and sleeping under canvas onboard or ashore, this is boating taken right back to the basics, and all the better for that. This guide, updated and expanded for its second edition, is invaluable for all aspiring or already-enthusiastic dinghy cruisers, showing how to get started and how to expand your horizons.
The information and advice is interwoven with wonderfully evocative stories of the author's adventures afloat, from idyllic weeks pottering around secluded rivers and coastlines to hair-raising voyages to remote islands. The text Finding a good boat; Fitting out for daysailing; Boatcraft under engine and oar; Mooring and anchoring; Preparing for open water; Out at sea; Coastal navigation; Dinghy homemaking; Keeping comfortable and safe. And for this new edition, an account of the author's first capsize, new material on electronics and clothing, and more information on boat designs.
Illustrated throughout with inspirational colour photos and helpful illustrations, this book shows just why small boats are the perfect passport to remote and beautiful places.
Dinghy cruising is a wonderful way to experience nature and new coastlines at close quarters and low cost. Sailing where larger boats cannot reach and sleeping under canvas onboard or ashore, this is boating taken right back to the basics, and all the better for that. This guide, updated and expanded for its second edition, is invaluable for all aspiring or already-enthusiastic dinghy cruisers, showing how to get started and how to expand your horizons.
The information and advice is interwoven with wonderfully evocative stories of the author's adventures afloat, from idyllic weeks pottering around secluded rivers and coastlines to hair-raising voyages to remote islands. The text Finding a good boat; Fitting out for daysailing; Boatcraft under engine and oar; Mooring and anchoring; Preparing for open water; Out at sea; Coastal navigation; Dinghy homemaking; Keeping comfortable and safe. And for this new edition, an account of the author's first capsize, new material on electronics and clothing, and more information on boat designs.
Illustrated throughout with inspirational colour photos and helpful illustrations, this book shows just why small boats are the perfect passport to remote and beautiful places.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 21, 2025
"Cabin yachts are undoubtedly very fine things to own. I sailed a classic six-ton cutter for many years, and her ability to keep the sea in conditions that would send a dinghy scurrying to shelter was awe-inspiring. But when I sold her and returned to my first love of dinghy cruising, I found that I covered more sea miles each year in my little dinghy than I ever did in the seagoing yacht. A dinghy may not be quite as fast as a yacht, but you use her much more often."
This paragraph, in the first chapter of the book, is really the reason for this book. Having lived in Annapolis for a couple years now, this seems to be true. I see many beautiful yachts that seem to never leave their slips or moorings, but nearly every day I can see small sailboat out in the river or on the bay.
I have also owned a few boats (none of them sailboats yet) and driven many more (some of those were sailboats) and it is absolutely true that the simpler and more easily handled boat is going to get the most water time. It is far easier to take advantage of the nice weather on the weekend if you just need to hook up a trailer and go. It is much harder when you need a crew of 5 and suddenly must deconflict schedules and such.
On top of speaking to the more practical of crowds, the author has also walked the walk. He has spent many years cruising in small boats and has distilled that experience here into a practical form. He also adds in stories of his adventures to both highlight certain points as well as to give life to the dream of visiting new and interesting places on a small boat that can be kept on a trailer in your garage. Even then, as he is selling the dream, he keeps things realistic.
In a time where we have tons of YouTubers and various cruising books that show all the glamour of a life at sea (often on a $300k plus yacht), the author stays down to Earth and tells it like it is. There is still so many great adventures to be had on a small, inexpensive boat.
This paragraph, in the first chapter of the book, is really the reason for this book. Having lived in Annapolis for a couple years now, this seems to be true. I see many beautiful yachts that seem to never leave their slips or moorings, but nearly every day I can see small sailboat out in the river or on the bay.
I have also owned a few boats (none of them sailboats yet) and driven many more (some of those were sailboats) and it is absolutely true that the simpler and more easily handled boat is going to get the most water time. It is far easier to take advantage of the nice weather on the weekend if you just need to hook up a trailer and go. It is much harder when you need a crew of 5 and suddenly must deconflict schedules and such.
On top of speaking to the more practical of crowds, the author has also walked the walk. He has spent many years cruising in small boats and has distilled that experience here into a practical form. He also adds in stories of his adventures to both highlight certain points as well as to give life to the dream of visiting new and interesting places on a small boat that can be kept on a trailer in your garage. Even then, as he is selling the dream, he keeps things realistic.
In a time where we have tons of YouTubers and various cruising books that show all the glamour of a life at sea (often on a $300k plus yacht), the author stays down to Earth and tells it like it is. There is still so many great adventures to be had on a small, inexpensive boat.
September 22, 2022
Don't dinghy cruise if you haven't read it
I have the kindle ebook edition. So my comments refer to that version.
Here is a man who has really done it; got his feet wet and knows his subject through theory and personal experience. The content of this invaluable book is the most comprehensive I have yet come across concerning our shared passion.
I do have one quibble, however; the first half of the book contains multiple typos and some repetitions of text. A slight irritant that a bit of proofreading would have easily spotted. I am tempted to give only 4 and 1/2 stars because of that. But being a fan of Roger and his adventures I am feeling generous today!
I have the kindle ebook edition. So my comments refer to that version.
Here is a man who has really done it; got his feet wet and knows his subject through theory and personal experience. The content of this invaluable book is the most comprehensive I have yet come across concerning our shared passion.
I do have one quibble, however; the first half of the book contains multiple typos and some repetitions of text. A slight irritant that a bit of proofreading would have easily spotted. I am tempted to give only 4 and 1/2 stars because of that. But being a fan of Roger and his adventures I am feeling generous today!
November 3, 2024
One of the best books on the topic from one of the foremost dinghy cruisers
I can't help but say great things about Roger Barnes and his book. This book is a great reference, is entertaining, and is an inspiration for anyone looking to get started cruising in a small trailerable boat. If you somehow aren't familiar with Roger Barnes, any research into dinghy cruising will quickly reveal that he's a prolific sailor and proponent of doing so in small boats. He knows his stuff, has a friendly demeanor, and puts out top notch videos and writings. This book is worth more than the cost. Buy it now! You won't regret it.
I can't help but say great things about Roger Barnes and his book. This book is a great reference, is entertaining, and is an inspiration for anyone looking to get started cruising in a small trailerable boat. If you somehow aren't familiar with Roger Barnes, any research into dinghy cruising will quickly reveal that he's a prolific sailor and proponent of doing so in small boats. He knows his stuff, has a friendly demeanor, and puts out top notch videos and writings. This book is worth more than the cost. Buy it now! You won't regret it.
January 5, 2025
Great book. Highly recommended for anyone considering dinghy cruising as a pastime.
April 10, 2023
great revised read
I really enjoyed this revised updated edition which is my go to bible for cruising my little wooden boat Polly
I really enjoyed this revised updated edition which is my go to bible for cruising my little wooden boat Polly
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews