This is a book of commonsense about sailing aimed at the relatively inexperienced sailor who wishes to extend his activities While based on sound theory it is primarily a practical book to be carried on board and referred to afloat The author concentrates on matters pf immediate concern to the yachtsman engaged in coastal and short offshore passages Te tries for example to convey how it feels to be in conditions of wind over tide rather than just stating that the stream is running at 5 knots and the wind is 20 knots More importantly the author spells out how to deal with such situations The consents include boat handling basic navigation harbor lore safety afloat the boat and the crew It includes everything the small cruise owner needs to know for short passage making and takes especially into account the family sailor