The aim of this book is to enable novices to cruise safely and enjoyably. It will cover the preparations needed before undertaking a cruise, operating the boat under different and sometimes challenging conditions, advise how to cope when things go wrong, how to conform to the rules and regulations, and how to navigate in all conditions. It presents the advice and information in just the same way that the cruiser will encounter the situations on passage - from setting off to arriving at their destination.
Topics include: Preparing to cruise (weather forecasts, route planning, checklists); Leaving harbour (harbour entrances, setting courses and speeds, crew briefing, food and drink); Assessing weather and sea conditions (fine tuning your plans); Watch keeping under way (visual and electronic navigation, coping with alarms); Entering harbour (planning ahead, radio channels, finding an anchorage, speeds); Cruising at night and in fog (lights, radar, shipping lanes, stopping distance); Adventurous cruising (navigating inshore, beach landing, hidden dangers); Fuel management and economy (economical speeds, boat trim, reserves); Comfort on board (cooking and sleeping at sea, security); When things go wrong (potential problems, safety equipment, coping with fire, leaks, grounding, engine problems, calling for help); Rules and regulations (collision regulations, traffic lanes, going foreign, qualifications). Aimed at owners of powerboats and motor cruisers between 25 and 65ft, the book is entirely practical, with checklists, sidebars, box-outs, many diagrams and is illustrated with superb action photos.