Back in February, 1986, I signed on to sail in the America's Cup. I was a lowly 'grinder, ' the guy who does most of the work while being yelled at by the other crewmen. FUN Actually it was a fun for the most part. And hard work. And miserable at times. And scary quite a few times, when the wind was raging off the Golden Gate Bridge. I was a part of the St. Francis Yacht Club syndicate - our 12-meter was called the USA. We had a wildman for a skipper, Tom Blackaller - 'Blacky' we called him. He was a kooky character to say the least. The America's Cup back then was contested in Fremantle, Australia, where the wind would come screaming across the Indian Ocean, right into our faces. Exciting times off the coast of Western Australia. 'Confessions' is a first-person, truthful account of what it was like to be a part of a crazy endeavor, as a worker ant, 'before the mast' as the saying goes. Hope you like it, Brad Alan Lewi

Two brave women prove that to live a real life adventure, they only need to take the first step. Giving into an urge to see the world, they take their cat and move onto a sailboat in California. After a year's preparation they set sail into the Pacific Ocean. Three months later they arrive in Florida after sailing 1500 miles down the Baja coast, across the Sea of Cortez, and driving an old pickup truck 2000 miles across Mexico and the southern United States. When Kim, Jazzymyne and their cat leave Los Angeles, California on New Year's Day they have no idea where the wind will take them. Their second day at sea they are caught in a violent storm. They struggle back to land and upon attempting to anchor near an island off the coast of Mexico, Kim breaks her hand. Conflict looms when Jazzymyne tires of the hardships and wants to go home. After twenty five days at sea they reach Mazatlan, Mexico and make plans to relocate in Florida. After loading all their possessions in a twenty-five year old truck, they head for Florida encountering dangerous mountain roads, military checkpoints and border patrol with their cat in the cab and a surfboard tied on top. Mixed emotions concerning this undertaking become solidified by the reality of life at sea, travel abroad and the wonders of nature. This is a true adventure without technical jargon and will delight readers of all ages.

Netherlands Antilles Plans include: Lac Baai Kralendijk Oranjestad.

Street's Guide to the Cape Verde Islands is the first and only cruising guide for the Cape Verde Islands. Printed in 2011 it is a completely up-to-date, full-color guide that includes charts and sketches not available through any other source, as well as GPS waypoints, harbor and marina information, local knowledge and much more.

Don Street has a message for all sailors planning to cross the Atlantic via the trade-wind route:

"Forget about spending Christmas in the Caribbean, which forces you to cross the Atlantic in late November and early December when the trades are erratic and sometimes light to nonexistent. Instead, spend Christmas cruising and exploring the Cape Verde Islands and set off in late December or early January, after the trades have settled in, and be almost guaranteed a fast passage. They're not called the Christmas Winds for nothing "

Tales from Lyla's Log is a sea story, not a how-to book. It is a fast moving, close-up narrative about cruising and living on a sailboat exploring most of the east coast, Florida and the Bahamas. What is it really like to live this life? What is it like on a day when the wind is fair and the sea is a deep blue with pure-white whitecaps-or when a night overtakes you that's "not a fit night out for man or beast"? If you love maps, or nautical charts, and wonder what those bays, rivers, islands and inlets each are like; If you wonder what experience is required, what sort of boat with what abilities is the kind you might need, or you'd just like to read how one couple prepared for this sort of adventuring and made it all work, you will find it all here in this book. You'll get just what its title implies, daily stories of two round trips from Martha's Vineyard to Florida's east and west coasts, and then to the southern tip of the Exuma chain of islands in the south-central Bahamas-more than 1500 miles each way.

When Daniel Robb set out to rebuild a family sailboat that had been deteriorating for years, he couldn't have anticipated what he was getting into. Although Robb was a skilled carpenter, boatbuilding (and boat repair) required a specialized set of skills. And this wasn't just any boat; it was a Herreshoff 12 1/2, a classic wooden sailboat. Built especially for the coastal waters of New England, this little sloop had sailed for years out of the author's boyhood home in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, before being relegated to a quiet corner of a yard, no longer the focus of the family's summer. Restoring the sailboat was both an act of respect and an homage to a place and a way of life that are in jeopardy of disappearing.

"Sloop" is the captivating story of Daniel Robb's education in boatbuilding, peopled by an eccentric cast of characters -- lumbermen, boatbuilders, and local artisans -- who are part of a changing and perhaps dying world. They tell Robb how to find the materials -- certain kinds of wood, fastenings, caulking, and canvas -- he'll need, which are increasingly hard to come by, and they educate him in the techniques of restoration, an all-but-lost art. Building and restoring wooden boats means an initiation into a world where life is lived simply, with respect for materials, for labor, and for the local waters.

A craftsman and environmentalist, Robb is a willing and able student, and although the restoration of the boat takes far more time and effort than he'd calculated, it is ultimately successful. After all Robb's struggles with quartersawn white oak, homemade steam boxes, bronze screws, copper rivets, andold mast hoops, the Herreshoff sails again -- and a dying art and a vanishing way of life remain alive and vibrant just a while longer.

By turns charming, meditative, and wonderfully quirky, "Sloop" is a paean to a sense of place and to old-fashioned values.

The first-of-its-kind authoritative compilation of yacht racing terms, jargon and slang. With more than 1,600 entries.

The complete how to guide to mastering the ancient mariners art of ship in a bottle building. This exciting new text details all the tricks of the trade and secretes involved in building these unique miniature sailing vessels. Capt. Dan teaches builders to understand the basic principals involved in building these tall ship replicas. After reading this heavily illustrated text, readers should have a good understanding of how to design rig and build both square sailed as well as fore and aft rigged vessels. They will then be able to apply these basic principles and techniques to build any type of sailing ship they choose. Please note that there are many different techniques used by different builders in creating their ship models. Some use elaborate mast hinges while others contend with a maze of rigging lines which all run through and under the hull. This book teaches Capt. Dan's basic and the straight forward simple techniques that the authors uses on all of his ship in a bottle models. These basics can be enhanced and modified as model builders become more proficient. Capt. Dan has included a showcase of ship in bottle images from some of the best master model builders in the world. Anyone that is interested in maritime history, sailing or just loves the sea, will enjoy crafting and then displaying their own nautical ship in a bottle.

Funny, gritty, and always painfully honest, Chasing The Horizon is one man's true account of the hardships and horrors faced as he took part in one of the toughest offshore endurance races ever held- the 2008 Round Britain Powerboat Race. Covering the race for one of the UK's biggest boating magazines, Derek Wynans thought he had it made. The plan was simple- join one of the top-rated teams as they thundered round Britain at speeds of 90 mph. But with just hours to go, the plan sank without a trace- leaving him no option but to beg total strangers for a lift. So began one of the toughest challenges the author ever had to face- from being abused by parrots to being propositioned by a Polish pimp, for Derek Wynans the easy part was racing across the tumultuous sea for six hours at a stretch. Finding a bed for the night and a ride for the next day- that was the REAL challenge...

Capt. Robb Hawks brings to press the Captain's Log he created for his own use as a USCG licensed captain. This log is for boat skippers who want the most complete record of their boating adventures. Each log entry is spread over two complete pages. The first page targets pre-voyage vessel inspection with a 60 point inspection. The second page focuses upon general information typical to a voyage. Every sea captain should keep a log such as this for both their own records and to show due diligence should an accident ever occur. This log is designed to complement Capt. Robb's "Captain's Resource Log."

The most authoritative manual available on today's cruising boats and their equipment, written by some of the world's most respected and experienced sailors and yacht designers.

Pembrokeshire is paradise for the outdoor water enthusiast. This book gives useful, practical information for the yachtsman, motorboater, dinghy sailor, fisherman, surfer, bather, kitesurfer, sea kayaker and all who work or live near the sea in Pembrokeshire. Fully illustrated in colour with plans and photographs.

Well known to ancient Norse mariners, the Shetland Islands offer a fascinating cruising ground for today's less warlike sailors. There are numerous beautiful, if sometimes rugged anchorages, many harbours and several marinas all of which create a variety that ensures that one visit to these islands will not be the last. Natural scenery apart, one function of the ongoing drive to attract tourism is a strong appreciation of the benefits brought by visiting yachts, and this, coupled with the natural and very welcoming grace of the Shetland people, ensures a hugely warm welcome. Summer is the time to cruise these islands, one added benefit of their Northern location is the almost constant daylight, making both sightseeing and pilotage much more enjoyable. Summer is also the time when many of the island's towns and villages hold their annual festivals, often including yacht races and much waterborne hilarity. That is not to say that a visit in winter should be avoided; the annual festival of 'Up Helly Aa' at the end of January is an experience not to be missed. The riotous enthusiasm with which the ever-friendly Shetland Islanders share their annual celebration of Shetland history is likely to draw summer visitors back time and time again. Gordon Buchanan knows the Shetland Islands from visits over many years and presents detailed pilotage information on reaching and cruising this delightful area.

A nautical chart covering the North coast of the West Indian Island of Martinique.

This is a book that aims to provide the beginner with a sound introduction to dinghy handling with a view to eventually acquiring race-winning skills. A useful read for anyone who requires information and to gain confidence before entering the sport. It may also be of service to those with more experience. Contents Include: Dinghy Classes Buying a Boat Crewing Rigging and Jobs Ashore Getting Afloat and Ashore Mainly on Sail Trimming Weight Distribution, Balance and Kicking Straps Heavy and Light Weight Weather Tasks Helming Helmsman's Responsibilities Sail Trimming and Steering Positions and Predicaments Maintenance of the Hull Maintenance of Spars, Rigging, Sails and Gear Joining an Club Safety Measures Some of the Many Clubs Giving Regular Races for Dinghies

This features a boatbuilding process which combines strength, beauty, and the workability of wood, with the low-maintenance characteristics of epoxy. Ideally suited to the amateur builder wanting a good, solid cruising boat, this is a complete "soup-to-nuts" presentation of the cold-molding process, with chapters detailing every facet of construction--from choosing a design and setting-up, through engine installation and wiring, to launching and sea trials. Parker has streamlined the cold-molding process to produce economical sturdy boats.

With more than 200,000 visitors annually, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is among the most alluring wilderness areas in the country, unique because it is most often explored by canoe. Comprised of more than one million acres, the BWCAW is an exceptional combination of expansive wilderness, abundant wildlife, and fascinating natural and human history. Exploring the Boundary Waters is the most comprehensive trip planner to the BWCAW, giving travelers an overview of each entry point into the wilderness area as well as detailed descriptions of more than one hundred specific routes - including a ranking of their difficulty level and maps that feature the major waterways, portages, and the designated campsites. The book is crafted so that readers can design their own route through the almost inexhaustible network of lakes and streams. Daniel Pauly, Boundary Waters expert, worked with the U.S. Forest Service, the Minnesota DNR, and local outfitters to gather information about how to obtain a permit, the rules and regulations of the park, safety tips, and how to help maintain the ecological integrity of the wilderness. As engaging as it is informative, Exploring the Boundary Waters not only contributes advice on the pros and cons of each route, but also brings the reader a natural and historical context for the journey by offering insight into the pictographs, mining sites, logging railroads, and ruins one may encounter throughout his or her expedition. With its accessible and personal style, Exploring the Boundary Waters is the perfect guide for anyone - novice or seasoned veteran - arranging a trip to the BWCAW. A companion Web site, http://www.boundarywatersguide.com, presents useful information that can be downloaded for planning a trip, including gear lists, overview maps, and route updates.

Plans included: Loch Gairloch (1:40 000) Kyleakin (1:40 000) Portree (1:25 000) Uig (1:35 000) Dunvegan (1:40 000) Loch Boisdale (South Uist) (1:25 000) Loch Carnan (1:20 000) Loch Maddy (1:40 000) East Loch Tarbert (1:60 000) St Kilda (1:150 000) On this 2016 edition the latest depth surveys have been applied throughout. The amendments to the firing practice areas are included and there has been general updating throughout.

The Race is a taut, thrilling account of the first running of the sailing competition called The Race, which began on December 31, 2000, in Barcelona and ended sixty-two days later in Marseilles. The most extreme event of its kind -- a nonstop circumnavigation of the world -- The Race attracted some of the world's best sailors and arguably the most eccentric personalities. Other contests have pushed people and boats past their limits, but no race has ever left so little margin for error. The rules were deceptively simple: the boats could be of any design, any size, and nearly everything had to be powered by human muscle alone. The first boat across the finish line would win. Tim Zimmermann, an experienced blue-water sailor, garnishes his behind-the-scenes story with a chronicle of the tumultuous history of extreme sailing in craft from nineteenth-century clipper ships to today's dangerous, high-tech multihulls -- the huge, screamingly fast, notoriously unstable boats that ran The Race. The engrossing, suspenseful story of the ultimate in extreme sailing, The Race relates how and why participants risked millions of dollars and their lives to dash around the world in record time.

Plans include: Approaches to Marsala Approaches to Favignana Approaches to Trapani Approaches to Palermo

Stories of Sailors in the Clutch of the SeaEdited by Tom Lochhaas Treacherous Waters is a collection of riveting, real life stories of adventure, loss, and survival at sea.

Garnered from among the best writing about sailing and the sea from the past 40 years, it transports readers to remote polar waters, lee shores, forbidding capes, and into the hearts of tempests. Here is triumph, disaster, love, courage, guilt, rescue, and death as captured by Webb Chiles (The Open Boat), Rob Mundle (Fatal Storm), Jim Carrier (The Ship and the Storm), Gordon Chaplin (Dark Wind), Tami Oldham Ashcroft (Red Sky in Mourning), and 15 others.

Dave Wheeler has been on boats for more than forty years, living aboard and cruising for over half of those forty years. In that time he has encountered every conceivable problem that can and will arise. Fortunately for boaters he has also found solutions to those pitfalls and explains them clearly, concisely and often with a little humor.

Dave has written hundreds of magazine articles for your favorite boating magazines but After Forty Years, is his first book on the subject of boats and boating.

After Forty Years combines all the knowledge of his articles in one, easy to understand, book with many helpful, simple solutions explained in detail. This is not another project book that has only a few projects, most not suited to your boat. This is a book that will be helpful and informative to every boater at every skill level.