The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat – Reviewed

Book the Captain has snoozed upon:  
The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat, by John Vigor   

Just up – The Can Opener has just finished another great book by John Vigor. Here is my First Mate’s book review which he has just handed in to me (slightly tardily we note) for approval. But… approved!

Topics Covered

• defining seaworthiness
• fitting out: spars, rigging, tackle, engine, nav gear etc
• heavy weather
• anchoring
• gastro-navigation and galleys

The Best Part
There were two best parts in this book for us. The number 1 best part was the excellent definition of seaworthiness. 

We have heard the term ‘seaworthy’ used so many times – bandied about really. To have it nailed down and specifically and practically defined was extremely helpful – just what we needed to hone our yacht design research criteria.

The number 2 best part of this book was: its attention to detail. At the end of each section, John Vigor repeatedly asks the question: ‘What would you do if your boat were inverted?’ He exhorts you to plan today for the scenario you hope will never happen. Then he takes you through solutions and explains how solving these problems before they happen is so critical. Brilliant.

Wishes

Okay, for once Captain Cat is stumped. All right. I wish that this book were longer. Or that it had a sequel.

Conclusion
This one’s got pride of place on our book shelf. Loved it. We’ll read any book that this guy has written.

Ever read The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat, by John Vigor ? How did you find it? Any good recommendations for other books for the sea library?

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

In the US
http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_mfw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822/US/httpthecruisi-20/8001/f26bf520-e9f5-4038-85bc-49415e1f6029 Amazon.com Widgets

In the UK
http://ws.amazon.co.uk/widgets/q?rt=tf_mfw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=GB&ID=V20070822/GB/thecrukit01-21/8001/25862e65-efb2-474f-8b3a-f312ec24a3af Amazon.co.uk Widgets

Book Reviews

Previously: RYA VHF Radio text – Reviewed!

Also by the same author: 
20 Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere – Book Review