The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South: The Thornless Path Toward Windward

Bruce Van Sant is more than a little over-bearing in his style. Smug and self-congratulatory are his middle names. That said, the man has written an excellent,excellent book chock-full of insights, caveats, how-to's,and how-NOT to's, right down to a great but simple recipe for beer bread! There are at least a dozen good books you should have on board when you depart Fort Lauderdale for the Islands and boy, this is ONE of them for sure. Buy it! You will read it again and again.

Bruce Van Sant may be opinionated about the best way to take a cruising boat down the "Thorny Path," but those opinions are based on years of experience. Not everyone agrees with everything he's written, but even those who disagree (typically on one detail or another) will tell you that in general Van Sant's methods are based on sound principles. He gives you strategies if not a way of life that has worked for him for decades. Best of all, when you get to Luperon in the Dominican Republic you can look him up and tell him how the trip has gone so far.

I have just completed my old copy of Van Sant's book and will never look at cruising the same way again. My wife and I have lived on our 49 foot sailing catamaran, Millennium Dragon for the past 2 years. After reading the earlier version, I am convinced we must slow down and "wait for weather". This is not only a sailing guide to cruising south, it is a major work on adjusting your attitude regarding passages and how to reach your destination in comfort. I have just purchased the updated version to look for additional pearls of wisdom. Van Sant is opinionated and direct but very entertaining and informative. You will either love or hate the man but read the book!

One can easly find fault with the presentation of the information contained in this book, but to get beyond that is a small price to pay for the wealth of knowledge and wisdom shared in its pages. I read the book four times cover to cover and am not done with it yet. For one as myself, a competent local-waters sailor about to venture off to distant lands, the book was the bridge between the dream and the plan of action. The author paints a very clear picture of the hard lessons one is destined to experience beating into the trade winds in search of paradise; but more importantly, how to avoid learning these lessons the hard way. His strategy of route selection and timing masterfully minimizes the adverse effects that weather, wind, and wave can have on boat and crew.

Got my first copy as very green wannabe cruiser, it was just some photocopied papers then. I've had every new addition since, and it's still not only a great source of advice, but also a lot of fun to read! It's still (after 15 years in the Caribbean) the first book I get out when I want to go somewhere.