Heavy Weather Sailing

by Peter Bruce, K. Adlard Coles

Since this book was first published in 1967, it has become the standard work on seamanship under gale conditions. Over 100,000 copies have been printed in the English language, and there are editions in French, German, Dutch, Italian, Swedish, and Spanish. This much-expanded edition is the first thorough revision in 16 years. Twenty new chapters from expert contributors on both sides of the Atlantic cover modern hull shapes and rigs, the latest gear and strategies for outlasting storms at sea, and advances in weather knowledge. There are also chapters on powerboat and multihull management in heavy weather. And the material carried over from the third edition remains as gripping and useful as ever. Under such titles as "September Hurricane" and "Twice Rolled Over," they tell spine-tingling-we-were-there stories followed by postmortems analyzing which gear and tactics worked and which didn't. With the aid of the comprehensive index, the sailor of a vessel designed and equipped to the standards of the 1990s will be ready for any weather. If ever there were a definitive volume, based on a lifetime's cruising and racing, and profiting from the knowledge of experienced yachtsmen and organizations, this is it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Nautical, Maritime

456 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Nikolaus Yos · Rating 4 out of 5]

mam za duzo wolnego czasu

[Kristian Francisco Milla Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valuable information but a difficult, old school and technical read. Especially for foreigners not accustomed to English sailing terms - however it's good way to learn them. Would be nice if each chapter was summoned with bullet points of the best takeouts. Inside plethora of very technical, often irrelevant information comes very useful and practical tips. Dividing these two types of knowledge in a graphical way would be a major improvement.

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

a must for sailors, readers, and writers of heavy weather. this particular one was the 3rd edition compiled in maybe 1980-81 (note, the gr bibliographic info of these is pretty fucjed up, but not bad i guess for free cataloging) and has a chapter on the infamously deadly fastnet race of 1979. also has chapters of author (and his son and wife) racing and or pleasure cruising around bermuda, bay of biscay, ushant. other chapters are excerpts from other authors, such as a bit on the run from durban to cape town where huge ass "holes" just "appear" and swallow ships. big ships too, 20,000 toners and such and probably what happened to the warataw (sp?). on these holes, seems really big swells meeting an opposing current can set of a "perfect oscillation" type situation in where a huge ass trough forms, a ship "falls" in it, then the next swell covers it up, and down she goes, langostino food. nice pics, maps, and citations. very poor index.

[james haughey · Rating 5 out of 5]

the go to book on the subject.

Excellently written book. Factual and also an ejoyable read. Heart in mouth stories that mean you will remember and implement the tactics within, unless you are a total clown, in which case stay in the pub or become a dolphin or join the enemy. Carry on!

[Pim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive book on heavy weather sailing. A must read for every offshore cruiser. And I mean EVERY. People who think it will never happen to them because they 'only make daytrips at sea' should also read this.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It truly is a true classic. I have the third 1981 edition and for anyone thinking of heading out for more than a few hours from behind the breakwater, It won't do you any harm to read it, and it's also absolutely fascinating.

[Junaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference text

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic for all who sail offshore

[Ilya Kochetov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, very interesting and gives good insight into what it took to sail a boat in mid-XX century

[Mirjam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about sailing in extreme circumstances. I'm planning to read it again whem I'm ready to take off for heavy weather sailing myself.

[John Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am prepping for a Tortola to Newport RI passage in May and found this book, which is a classic by all accounts, fantastic. A must read for all nascent bluewater sailors.

[James Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good reviews here. So I will just add that it is fun to read and important information for all sailors.