Cruising Handbook: A Compendium for Coastal and Offshore Sailors

by Nigel Calder

The most comprehensive and helpful guide ever written for selecting and equipping a cruising sailboat Whether you’re a coastal or offshore cruiser, you’ll find your most pressing concerns treated with the know-how that makes for skillful, confident cruising in Nigel Calder’s Cruising Handbook. The author -- one of the most respected marine how-to authors on either side of the Atlantic, and author of the universally admired Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual, -- walks you through all key technical and practical aspects of modern cruising systems and equipment, providing you with a summary of the skills necessary for safe, enjoyable sailing. The first half of the book includes an easy-to-use tabular method for evaluating a boat's suitability for cruising; ideas for workable deck and interior lay-outs and organization; how to choose and configure suitable boat systems for cruising; and how to install gear for trouble free operation. The book's second half teaches you boat handling skills; core navigational expertise; anchoring techniques; weather understanding; heavy weather expertise; and specific skills for long-term and long-distance cruising.

Hardcover

First published May 7, 2001

Reviews

[Gianluca Fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit outdated in the tech chapters but otherwise an invaluable and thorough analysis of how to sail. One of those books that is worth buying in paperback and kept along with you during your cruising, as a reference.

[Sean Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nigel Calder has long been known as the go-to guy for all things related to boat maintenance and boat systems. In his "Cruising Handbook", he goes far beyond just boat systems and delivers a book that contains basically everything you need to know as a cruising sailor. It's hands down the single most useful book out there for someone who owns a sailboat and goes places in their boat.

Topics covered include: boat design considerations, buying a sailboat, rigging, ground tackle, sails, boat systems, boat handling, navigation, weather, and long-term cruising.

[Karlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those who are getting into sailing and are dreaming of buying a boat for cruising. Probably needs a new version (feels like its about 5 years old now) to address some of the new technology out there, but the key things are covered in depth. It was really helpful to me.

[Josh Boyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job covering a broad topic in an accessible way that is easy to read.