Ebook: Ocean voyaging: A critical discussion of modern cruising yachts and the technique of ocean sailing

This book is the resuh of more than 100,000 miles of ocean voyaging in a variety of craft, good and bad. David Parker shares with honesty and conviction his conclusions on what one can reasonably expect of a cruising yacht and how to choose it for one's own purpose and satisfaction. He also tells how to equip and handle the yacht for a safe, speedy passage with a minimum of discomfort and a maximum of pleasure.
With the thoroughness of a scientist and the enthusiasm of a lifelong sailor he discusses available designs, their advantages and disadvantages, cabin layout, rig and equipment. Not everyone may agree with him but no one will mistake his point of view and the reasons for his conclusions.
He also has excellent chapters summarizing practical lessons learned on seamanship and navigation. He tells how to plan a voyage and provision ship. On the subject of self-steering, so important to an enjoyable passage, he describes in detail several systems that have proven satisfactory at sea.
Fun to read and open to argument, this straight-forward point of view will make skippers think more clearly about their present and future yachts and result in more trouble free passages.
The excellent technical photographs are by Joanne Parker.