Offshore Sailing: 200 Essential Passagemaking Tips

I rarely bother to write reviews, but I have to add my kudos to the others given here. There is a down-to-earth pragmatism in these pages that I haven't found anywhere else. The authors have condensed an extraordinary amount of experience into 200 very succinct tips that cover a broad range of subjects. Many of their suggestions are low tech and can be easily implemented yourself. They have been there, done that and it shows. I am putting this one right next to Dashew, Calder, Sutphen and Leonard to fill in the blanks.

Having a copy of this book is the next best thing to actually having Bill aboard. I have had the privilege of knowing and sailing with Bill for over 12 years. While I had sailed all my life, I had never done any offshore work until after I met Bill. His teaching prepared me and my family for the satisfying challenges of offshore sailing. He has sailed with me on 4 Marion-Bermuda races including the 2001 race in which we were first in Class A, and 2nd(by one minute) on elapsed time. He is an excllent teacher and a resourceful boat keeper. He is also an outstanding offshore gourmet cook.(That is another story, maybe even a book.) Many of the tips in this book were generated by his experiences on my Alden 50 cutter, Despedida and on her successor, a new Alden 54 cutter. I would not go offshore without having read this book and having it aboard. With this book, all aspiring to sail offshore, can have Bill aboard.

Ever slap your head and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" Well, there's a good chance Bill Seifert has figured it out and the answer is in this book. But don't misunderstand - this book is not just clever, it's practical, and although the title says "offshore" don't be fooled. The advise here is for all of us, from day sailor to coastal cruiser to offshore explorer. These tips will not only make you a better, safer sailor, they will increase your enjoyment. For example, by following Bill's advise on spring lines and docking I have substantially reduced frustration and tension. And don't leave this book at home! There are 10 pages of recipes from one of the world's best offshore gastronomes.

Bill Seifert delivers a lifetime of extremely practical sailing advice in an easy-to-read format. I have made it a habit to read one tip each night and that time has been extremely valuable. Bill is very focused on safe sailing and I'll feel better equipped as I pull away from my slip this spring for having read his work. It is sprinkled with great bits of humor that keep you reading!Dave Bohl

Bill Seifert has truly succeeded in identifying and presenting solutions to the offshore yachtsmen's biggest issues. The age-old problem is how to transfer the "great sea-captains" knowledge of the past to the offshore hopeful. Bill succeeds in both words and photo's without the usual noise associated with "how to" books.Anyone who is thinking of exploring the world away from land should commit this book to memory.