The Capable Cruiser

Lin and Larry remind me of the Amish for living a life without many of its modern conveniences. With the Amish it's about the outside world influencing the interconnectedness of their community. For Lin and Larry it seems to be a mistrust of modern equipment. Having worked on marine engines for a living, holding a radio amateur's license, owning a 15 foot sailboat, and flown sixty year old airplanes (which is a lot like sailing what with weather and navigation issues), I can agree with much of their position, KISS, or Keep It Simple Stupid. Salt makes for a terribly corrosive environment. Corrosion takes its toll and the Larry and Lin have developed cruising techniques that minimize safety concerns involving modern equipment failure by just not embracing it. However, their books are a careful analysis of safety issues with though out procedures and I believe require careful reading for anyone who wants to cruise. The only thing critical I have to say is they need a transmitter to radio for help as they may have medical emergencies, as they get older.

World class advice from world class cruising sailors.

According to expert and experienced small craft sailors Lin and Larry Pardey, successful cruising is the result of the right people on board the right boat, along with proper preparation, gear maintenance, and seamanship. The Capable Cruiser is a compendium of thirty-three informative chapters divided among such issues areas as "Preparing to Go"; "Maintenance at Sea"; Safety Aloft"; At Anchor"; Choosing Gear"; Care of Self and Crew"; and "Seamanship". The Pardey's analyze cruising disasters such as the Cabo San Lucas, discuss finances and how to pay your way on a voyage, and a great deal more relevant to anyone who has ever set sail on a cruise of their own. If you are considering embarking on a cruise with family or friends, begin with a thorough and careful reading of Lin and Larry Pardey's The Capable Cruiser.

I read in a sailing magazine that the Pardey's are known as the "enablers". So I bought this book, liked the title, cause that is what I want to be. This is the first sailing book that does bring cruising within my means, mentally and financially. I will definitely be reading more of the books written by this couple. Informative, easy to read and sometimes even funny. First rate and never out of date.

I haven't read other Pardey books so I can't compare with other titles. However, this book reflects there style (minimalist) and budget (ditto) which I think is applicable to many. Even if you want more luxury it is nice to know that people have done lots of crusing with much less. Book includes thoughts about choosing a cruising boat, equiping it, maintaining it, and actual curising and seamanship information.As a want-to-be soon hope-to-be cruiser I think the book had lots of good practical information. Doesn't cover everything but what it covers is well thought out and clearly explained. I intend to buy other Pardey books as well. Would I buy again. Yes!