Product Description

"Vigor is one of the finest boating writers of our time."­­Cruising World

Boating encompasses an impressive array of disciplines, and every sailor or powerboater worth his or her salt is, by turns, a seaman, navigator, mechanic, electrician, painter, carpenter, meteorologist, medic, cook, and even, on occasion, a diplomat. Which is why it is so surprising that, until now, there has been no single-source reference to which a mariner could turn for practical, up-to-date information in all these areas.

The Practical Encyclopedia of Boating is the first guide to all practical­­and many theoretical­­aspects of recreational boating under sail and power. From seamanship to maintenance, navigation to boat design and construction, nautical lore and esoterica to the science of how things work, this handy reference gives sailors and powerboaters quick access to just the right amount of information needed to answer most questions and solve most problems.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #615080 in Books
• Published on: 2003-12-18
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Review
"Vigor is one of the finest boating writers of our time" - Cruising World; "Vigor presents an incredible amount of information in a very clear way" - Ocean Navigator; "Well organized and easy to read. It should be on every vessel" - Ensign review of Boatowner's Handbook; "An invaluable resource. Vigor's practical wisdom gives you the know-how and confidence to prepare your boat for the sea" - Cruising World review of Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat

From the Back Cover

"Vigor is one of the finest boating writers of our time."--Cruising World

From A to Z: A complete compendium for every boating situation

So many things go into the pastime of boating. Whether it's boat maintenance, navigation, handling in all kinds of weather, or the physics of how boats function, every sailor and powerboater needs a comprehensive reference to rely on as the go-to source for specialized information.

Now you have it--with The Practical Encyclopedia of Boating. In an easy-to-use format, you'll have the information you most need at your fingertips--written by acclaimed boating writer John Vigor. The Practical Encyclopedia of Boating isn't simply an essential addition to your library, but also a delight to browse and read.

• Five hundred concise entries in alphabetical order address virtually every aspect of powerboating and sailing
• Covers seamanship and boat handling, navigation, routine boat maintenance, boat design and building, and nautical reference data
• Ranges from vital techniques--such as recovering overboard crew and measuring distances off--to essential concepts like reading the water and sky and evaluating a boat's seaworthiness
• Covers traditional nautical wisdom as well as modern developments
• Includes delightful nuggets of sea lore such as how to rename a boat without incurring bad luck
• An extensive bibliography points you to further sources of information
• Numerous cross-references and an exhaustive index direct you to the right entry quickly and unify related topics

The Practical Encyclopedia of Boating will give you sound guidance for practically any boating situation you might encounter.

About the Author

John Vigor has been sailing more than 40 years in boats ranging from 11 to 72 feet, logging 15,000 miles of ocean voyaging. Born in England, he emigrated to South Africa as a boy. In 1987 he left South Africa in a 31-foot boat with his wife and son and sailed to a new life in the U.S. A journalist, he has written for major metropolitan newspapers in Britain, South Africa, and the U.S., and contributes articles to Cruising World, SAIL, and Yachting Monthly. He is the author of five other books, including International Marine's Practical Mariner's Book of Knowledge, The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat, and Boatowner's Handbook.