The fear of storms has kept many otherwise competent sailors from venturing into the open ocean. This book explores the myths that have sprung up about ways to bring small boats through storms and shows tried and true methods that work for all types of sailing vessels. Special sections explain storm sail design, sea-anchor technology and tips for preventing gear failure at sea. Included are a series of check lists designed to help potential voyagers chose, then outfit their boat for safe voyaging plus others to prepare them as a storm actually approaches and reassure them once they are in the midsts of heavy winds and seas. Marrio Vittone, a U.S. Coastguard Rescue Swimmer for 14 years, in an unsolicited testimoney, wrote: 'I have been on several rescues (and heard of many more) that would have been completely unnecessary if the sailboat captains aboard would have practiced the skills taught by Lin and Larry Pardey. Not knowing how to heave-to in bad weather is as inexcusable as not knowing 'red, right, return'.'

"The Capable Cruiser" is a logical extension of the Pardeys' "The Self-Sufficient Sailor" (978-0964603677), with more emphasis on seamanship underway, including careful analysis of extreme anchoring situations and solutions for mitigating them. Underlying each and every chapter is the warmth and encouragement that spurred Herb McCormick, former editor of "Cruising World" magazine, to label Lin and Larry Pardey 'the enablers.' This revised and expanded third edition of a cruising classic includes 10 completely new chapters with such advice as: 16 ways to encourage your lover (partner) to share your dream; strategies for turning sudden engine failure into a minor incident; choosing safety equipment and repairing rigging at sea. All of the original chapters have been updated to ensure that the information will be helpful for everyone who dreams of cruising-whether now or in the near future.