OFFSHORE CRUISING ENCYCLOPEDIA
by Linda & Steve Dashew

The first edition of this reference was such an important addition to our collective knowledge about the art and science of sailing that it was compared with Chapman’s and Bowditch. Having been through five printings in five years, this book has become one of the most successful publications in maritime history. This second edition has double the information and three times the number of illustrations.

This huge but well organized reference covers 2,200 topics in eight broad areas: preparation, cruising life, design and engineering, rigs and deck hardware, systems, on deck, interior design, business issues, and includes a compendium of yachts they have owned, known, or built. Each entry is clear, precise, and has plenty of specifics, including, for example, brand names for products they evaluate.

The Dashews’ conversational style makes for easy, enjoyable reading. The topics are backed with anecdotal stories from the Dashews’ seemingly unlimited number of cruising friends. HC, 1998, 1228 pages. SW 4.2 lbs.