The Capable Cruiser

Rating:
Summary: For anyone considering embarking on a cruise
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Concerns on Safety Equipment
Review: I liked this book a lot and would highly recommend it apart from their attitude towards safety. Their advice on self-sufficiency is valid, but I feel their attitude on safety equipment is irresponsible. In particular their suggestion to do without an EPIRB. With their experience they may get away with it but most of the readers will be relatively inexperienced.

There should be no compromise on safety equipment. It is no use saying you don't want anyone to come looking for you if you get into trouble, because the SAR orhanisations have both a moral and legal obligation to do so. In addition there is the feelings of loved ones to consider.

Some countries are sensible enough to insist on minimal standards of safety equipment. New Zealand's "Category 1" standard provides a good guide to minimum requirements.

Rating:
Summary: These people make it possible
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Sound advice
Review: The Paradays allways have a sound oposite view in a world of more and more technical cruising and sailing where everything is supposed to be bought ready to use. This book is a collection of articles that deal with real world problems for the long distance cruiser. For example: how long does varnish last? I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in more than a race around the bouys.

Rating:
Summary: What can you say... they're the best!
Review: World class advice from world class cruising sailors.