Reviews (1)

best advice i've had in along time
having already read this book , I found it was filled with wisdom from the introduction to the very end , being on the water a lot for a living myself this book pointed out some of the more obvious rules of thumb that applytoo mariners.And some very good ones i'd never heard of , but as itstates in the book " good advice is so very hard to come by when itcomes to rules of the ocean , and the black box theory is some thing i willdo my utmost to adhere to as it is all very true done with the witty senceof humor that would appeal to more than most fisherman allthe way toseasoned sailors its a very handy book ,A must for all serious Boaties! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Boating And Sailing    3. Boats and boating    4. General    5. Sailing - Navigation    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Transportation    9. Boating    10. History / General    11. Marine engineering    12. Ships & shipping: general interest   

Reviews (10)

Interesting Book to Read
If you're looking for the right boat to sail around the world, this book is a good place to start.Well written and interesting to read.The only negative I have about the book is that the author is excessively biased towards older full keel sailboats.Newer sailboats can do as well as older full keel sailboats in many cases.All boats have their strengths and weaknesses so you just have to pick the one with the right mix for yourself.

A good placeto start, but...
There should be more books like this for young sailors to read.His writing style is good - the information presented is good, but it is true he omitted some boats which should have been included.That said, how many people have sailed in every possible boat between 25 and 40 ft that might be capable off shore?I like the emphasis on inexpensive boats.In addition to this book be sure to read J. Fitzgerald's "Sea-Steading" , Pardey's books, and Hiscocks. You don't need an expensive boat full of all the latest gadgets to sail the oceans!

Great Information but Needing a 2nd Edition
The edition of the book that I have was published in 1999.It was a very helpful book to guide me in my selection of my first sailboat. The general principles that John Vigor advocates will be valid indefinately. I found his "In Comparison" ratings and his "Known Weaknesses" sections valuable.His ratings of comparative seaworthiness, speed, and comfort help anyone selecting a small cruising sailboat.John has made a great contribution with this book.That being said, it would be nice to get a new edition. In particular, it would be valuable to get John's views on other potential bluewater sailboats easily cruised and handled by two people.What are his views on other boats in 28' to 32' size?I suggest the 1999 upper price limit of $50K should be increased.How about a limit of $100K? John's opinions on selected other potential boats from Beneteau, C&C, Catalina, Ericson, Island Packet, and Tartan would make it worth while to buy a new edition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sail Boating    2. Sailing - General    3. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design and construction    4. Engineering - Civil    5. House & Home    6. Outdoor Structure Construction    7. Repair    8. Swimming pools    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Architectural structure & design    11. Building construction & materials    12. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc    13. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (3)

One of my favorite travel guides ever.
This is one of my favorite travel guides, ever, period.Even though this book is aimed at sailors, it has plenty of helpful information for land travelers too.Plus it has a lot of information I've never found in another travel guide.The best example is this.One beautiful night as we sat on our terrace enjoying the 180 degree view of the southern skies, I turned to my travel partner and said, "Did you print off those star charts so we can identify the southern cross?"His response. "Uh oh, I never got around to that."
Too many adverts
Doyle's info was very good and the color arial photos and mini charts are very usefull. The book is 9 inches by 6 inches and has 400 pages, however if you were to remove the advertizments and touristy photos you would probably end up with about 275 pages of usefull info.

Rare combination of useful advice and humor
As a frequent user of cruising guides, I appreciate how rare is the combination of useful, detailed advice and a sense of humor.Chris Doyle does it here, and every traveler (or prospective traveler) to theGrenadines should get this guide.It's not just for sailors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Sailing    4. Windward Islands   

Reviews (12)

This Old Boat
Covers everything from dings to diesels.A must read for apprentice boatsmiths.This reading gives you the confidence and knowledge to fix up & repair most every defect in your used boat.

Before you buy that old boat - READ THIS BOOK!
This book is entertaining to read and really is an eye opener as to what you're getting yourself into re wooden boats.Really is a prmer on the topic or Wooden Boats 101 - when you are done reading it you'll know your up to the task or not.

Absolutely a MUST for your boat -- you need this book.
You're familiar of course with the numerous lists of necessary books to have aboard your boat. Boat Owner's comes to mind by Nigel Calder as one. HOWEVER, I believe you will find more useful information within the 408 pages. Also, it's book size (won't be a pain to store aboard) will be welcome.
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Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Sailing - General    3. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Transportation    7. Boating    8. Shipbuilding technology & engineering    9. Ships & shipping: general interest    10. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (11)

Top Flight Calder
The book gives you the tech you need, in terms you can understand.Calder is very impressive in his ability to impart knowledge to the layman.Don't however, assume this is just fluff overview, because it truly is the down and dirty of how it works and how to maintain it.

A Cruiser's Engine Atlas
This book provides the reader with a broad overview of most of the basic problems that can occur and offers simple solutions.I have recommended/loaned my copy of this book to several Diesel sailboat owners.The all remarked on how simple their repair was according to the book and how it save them $$.
Know Your Diesel
My copies of this book has grease stained fingerprints throughout. A lot of folks have told me they think this book is redundant, because much of the info is covered in Mr. Calder's Mechanical & Electrical Manual but this smaller book is easier to work with when working around your engine and the material is presented differently enough that the book is one I believe you should have if you live on a boat. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    2. Boating - General    3. Diesel engines    4. Maintenance and repair    5. Marine Engines    6. Marine diesel motors    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    8. Ships & Shipbuilding - Small Boat Maintenance and repair    9. Transportation    10. Engines & power transmission    11. Marine engineering    12. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (3)

32 bucks for pics of waves NO THANKS
Spend your money wisely; for 32 dollars you can get 24 issues of surfer mag. You'll learn alot more about surfing rather than make some author rich.

great topical coverage
This book is written for the layman and has great illustrations to back up some very complicated topics ranging from climatology and atmospherics to answering the "simple" question:what makes a good wave?
Great popular science book, not just for surfers
I've never surfed in my life but read this book as a scientist with an interest in fluid mechanics. The book introduces a wide range of concepts and models, starting from large-scale climate patterns, to storms and generation of waves, to their propagation and evolution, taking the reader step-by-step through some rather complex phenomena. The writing is plain and accessible to a non-physicist, yet scientific, making this book a pleasure to read. My favourite section was probably the one on climate patterns, which discusses the atmosphere as a non-equilibrium, dissipative system driven by the energy of the Sun and coupled to the rotation of the Earth - and manages to do it quite well without introducing a single equation. For those wishing more mathematics, there is a list of references for further reading. I did find one or two minor blunders, such as the statement that "the equator is warmer than the poles because it is closer to the Sun" (the reason it is warmer is, of course, in the different incidence angles of sunlight), or equations with no units. Another warning is that this is a book about the physics of *waves*, not the hydrodynamics of surfing. But overall, this is a great piece of popular science. Any teacher who values problem-based learning will appreciate it - as, hopefully, will any surfer who wants to know why waves behave the way they do.
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Subjects:  1. Reference    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Water Sports   

Reviews (1)

A necessary book for the model ship builder
I purchased this book several years past.This Amazon.com reviewer is an avid ship modeler.I use this book nearly constantly.I give this book five stars.
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Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Models    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Transportation    7. Model boats & ships    8. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (21)

A pretty good learning tool
This book is not for the very novice sailor.Actually no book alone is but a good teacher and book is what is needed for newbies.The details and topics discussed were great, though the section on knots left some to be desired.Why can no sailing book acurately cover knots?I would give it a B+.

Review
Excellent book. Talks about the lifestyle as well as how to sail. I recommend it.

learning to sail is only the first step
My partner dreams of cruising across oceans. He gave me this book, along with Lin Pardeys Care and Feeding of Sailing Crew. I am truly hooked. Seidman makes sailing accessible. Lin Pardey makes crossing oceans in a boat we can actually dream of owning, do able. I recommend both! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Boating And Sailing    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Physical Education    5. Sailboats    6. Sailing    7. Sailing - General    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Boating    11. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (3)

Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook : Norfolk, Virginia, to Miami, Florida
A must for traveling the Intercoastal Waterway.A very detailed illustrative set of information to successfully achieve your trip.

Excellent source... More than a set of charts!
Very usable in it's small page spiral format.Flipping pages as one cruises north or south is easy, and takes very little space at the helm.The annotations indicating marina locations save looking in separate guideswhen a stopping point is desired. Some obvious side trips (e.g. BananaRiver) are omitted and would have helped increase usefulness if included.

Excellent up-to-date reference
The charts are well organized and very reliable.Only a minimum number of aids were missing or changed in number.Some of the bridge info is a little dated but generally did not cause any navigational problems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Sailing - Navigation    3. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Boating    7. Cartography, geodesy & geographic information systems (GIS)    8. Navigation    9. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (5)

Good variety for your workouts
I've been fitness swimming for several decades which usually means go to pool, swim a mile. I recently started working through the workouts in this book with some triathlon friends. Still manage to get my mile but every day takes a different focus, my swimming has improved and I enjoy it more. Each page is something fresh and different. While the pages are waterproof, you do need to spend a few minutes and wipe EVERY page dry when you get home, not a big deal. Or stick the book in a ziplock bag and avoid the wet pages problem in the first place.
Great Training Tool
I have been using this book now for 2 months and I have enjoyed the variations in the works that I get each time I go to the pool, it can not replace the value of a coach, but as a training tool it can't be beat.
A good tool, but with one serious flaw..
The workouts and the book overall are good, and for the self-coached athlete, much better than trying to think up a workout every day.There are two main sets for each workout, one longer than the other, but they could use more differentiation - one may be 2600 meters and the other 2300 meters.It should be more like 2600 and 1900.Or slip a third option in the middle.Of course, if you are reasonably experienced, it's not had to extrapolate whatever distance you plan to do for the day.Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Swimming    4. Training    5. Triathlon    6. Multidiscipline sports    7. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (4)

Excellent introductory sailing manual.
I purchased this book, as well as the "Complete Sailor" and "Sailing for Dummies" in an effort to learn to sail a 14 ft. dinghy, and I can easily say that "Learning to Sail" was the best of the three.It's very simple, with just enough basics to get you up and sailing safely.No, you won't be able to cruise to the Bahamas after reading this book, but it should be more than enough to let you enjoy a little freedom out on the lake.It was very nicely illustrated, with simple, straightforward instruction.It also had good illustrations on how to tie some of the basic knots in sailing, as well as where and when they're used.Overall, an excellent book for the beginning sailor.

Learning to Sail: The Annapolis Sailing School Guide
Learning to Sail: The Annapolis Sailing School Guide for Young Sailors of All Ages by Di Goodman, et al, is a good informative reference for beginning sailors of all ages. Great for all ages.
This book was selected for use by the Lake Saint Louis Youth Sailing Academy after our lead instructor and our top student (age 10) bothselected the same book from a group of 10 potential class text books.Thekids found it easy to follow, and the adults found it easy to establish alesson plan based on the structure of the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Navigation    3. Physical Education    4. Sail Boating    5. Sailing    6. Sailing - General    7. Seamanship    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Boats & boating    11. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (3)

Extremely informative
Extremely informative and packed with lots of information in an easy to digest format.As a begining spearfisherman I found this book extremely helpfull. It does not go into long stories to explain information, but just gives it to you upfront.

A great introduction
This is a great introduction to spearfishing, also works as a great reference for other books such as Rapture of the Deep.

A complete book for beginners
The book covers different aspects of freediving and scuba spearfishing. As usual, it contains a section about spearfishing and freediving gear, accessories as well as a little history. It includes also some uncommon information, like oil platforms diving. Read more

Subjects:  1. Equipment and supplies    2. Fishing - General    3. Fishing Sports    4. Skin And Scuba Diving    5. Spear fishing    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Art    4. Bibliography    5. Collectibles    6. History    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Surfboards    9. Surfing    10. Water Sports    11. Antiques & Collectables    12. Surfing, windsurfing, water skiing   

Reviews (2)

A new nautical classic with great sailing insights
Kretschmer's new book about the bone chilling tail of a wrong way hurricane is bound to become a sailor's classic.Not only is the book a well written page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat, but it is filled with questions that every blue water sailor confronts when faced with difficult decisions at sea. Kretschmer's extensive knowledge of the subject is evident as he offers insights and thoughts about heavy weather strategy, survival tactics, and the decisions that were made by three brave sailors as they battled for their lives.

A Moving Book of the Sea
John Kretschmer has hit a home run with his new book - this is a very moving tale of the sea and hurricanes - and, even more, a moving tale of the people who go to sea on small sailing boats.I did not put the book down until it was finished. If you liked the Perfect Storm, this is better, partly because Kretschmer has been there himself, facing hurricanes on a small boat.This is a book about a tragedy, but is uplifiting at the same time. Great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Boating accidents    3. Caribbean Area    4. Heavy weather seamanship    5. Sailing    6. Sailing - General    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Boating    10. Sports & Recreation / Sailing   

Reviews (7)

Alll of what you need to know
This book is well written and covers everything you need to know for an off shore voyager.I believe it is a must read for before a first time offshore journey.

Buy This Book
Even if you do not plan to sail shorthanded thousands of miles offshore it's a very good idea to understand in detail what makes your boat seaworthy in difficult circumstances and to make it so. Good Advice
You can easily pick up three books on offshore sailing and get three separate opinions of what type of boat you need.A fast boat will get across the pond faster.A big boat adds stability and can carry lots of accessories like auxiliary generators and water makers.John's theory is that you should get a boat that can be handled well by a small crew and tough enough to handle any weather that you are likely to run into.Since his opinion parallels my own, I can only assume that he is obviously a sailing genius.This book is highly recommended for anyone contemplating a voyage over the horizon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Sailing - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sailing    6. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Editorial Review

Though literature, films, and folklore have romanticized pirates as gallant seaman who hunted for treasure in exotic locales, David Cordingly, a former curator at the National Maritime Museum in England, reveals the facts behind the legends of such outlaws as Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, and Calico Jack. Even stories about buried treasure are fictitious, he says, yet still the myth remains. Though pirate captains were often sadistic villains and crews endured barbarous tortures, were constantly threatened with the possibility of death by hanging, drowning in a storm, or surviving a shipwreck on a hostile coast, pirates are still idealized. Cordingly examines why the myth of the romance of piratehood endures and why so few lived out their days in luxury on the riches they had plundered. ... Read more

Reviews (80)

A good reference
'Under the Black Flag' is a book containing the history of the pirates age (1600-1700's). The book focuses on the pirates of the Caribbean, but does reference pirates in the South China Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the coast of Africa.
An Excellent Reference
This is a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of Pirates. The author obviously did his research and cited his sources correctly which adds to the legitimacy of this work. The main focus is to present factual information and dynamically contrast it to fictitious images the public commonly hold of piracy. Dates and time lines play a crucial part and the overall picture is presented logically and coherently. This is a must have for novices interested in a broad topical overview as well as those who are interested in the origins of the fiction surrounding pirates.
good read
Cordingly writes a good book.For those who are searching for a book on the general overview of piracy, this is it.I would highly recommend it.
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Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Earth Sciences - Geography    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Maritime History    6. Pirates    7. Sailing - Narratives    8. Science    9. Sports & Recreation / Sailing   

Reviews (1)

Great Source of Information of Countries and Ports of Entry
This is a well structured book that provides a one stop source of information on port of entry procedures among other thing. However with that said. I have just returned from the Leeward Islands and found the entry procedures have completely changed. No longer do you fly the Q flag and wait, but the skipper can proceed directly to customs and immigrations. This is no doubt due to the increased yacht traffic.So talk with other yachts going to or coming from your destination to get the latest information on entry and clearance information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Boating And Sailing    3. Pilot guides    4. Sailing - Navigation    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Travel Guides    8. Motor / power boating & cruising   

Reviews (5)

Good Book but why not do one on someone that came out before they were big
This was a really good book.I really enjoyed the part about Mark's experience with being on the various committees and his speaking career.It was interesting to read something about an athlete who talked about other things he did besides just performing the sport itself.
new low for the Olympics, Gay Games & OutGames
Mark did a fairly good job in destroying any respect I had for the people responsible for putting together the Olympics, GayGames and the newly formed OutGames.His story was quite interesting and for the most part well written.I don't know if it was his intention but I agonized over all the frustrating in-fighting at Olympics/Gay Games/OutGames that was depicted in graphic detail.I was saddened that our gay brothers and sisters could not come together and cause one games series for us.Mark did a great job making me feel the pain we all go through with the anti-gay bigotry.I also enjoyed the way he showed the upward progression of acceptance from the time he was a teen to his 30s.I applaud Mark for this contribution and recommend the book.

Straight Up and Out Talk
Mark Tewksbury is an inspiring person and a well-admired athlete of the Olympics. I'll be honest and say I was approaching this book from a shallow viewpoint. Though he was a swimmer, not a diver, it seemed like his "coming out" story would just be a pale comparison to that of Greg Louganis.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Gay Studies    5. Homosexuality    6. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    7. Sports - General    8. Swimming    9. Swimming And Diving    10. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (27)

A must read if considering cruising
Beth Leonard made the cruising lifestyle come alive for me from
An Excellent Book
Just finished reading this excellent book on voyaging. The last few reviews left me wondering if the author would really have the experience to write about cruising. SHE DOES!!!
Worth reading
This author has copped criticism for being an inexperienced "yuppie" whose early lifestyle - a lifestyle she now decries as meanginless - helped pay for some easy cruising. This opinion is small minded. The simple fact the book is written by an honest woman gives it a rare and compelling resonance. Any man trying to honestly sell the cruising dream and any woman seeking a fair appraisal of what to expect from that dream will benefit from Bluewater Cruising. Does this book cover its topic exhaustively leaving no stone unturned? Not always - but none truly do. Does the book present our favourite subject in a different and useful way? Yes, I believe it does. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Boating And Sailing    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Ocean travel    5. Reference - Guides (General)    6. Sailing    7. Sailing - General    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Motor / power boating & cruising    11. Ships & shipping: general interest    12. Sports & Recreation / Boating