Modern Cruising Under Sail

By Don Dodds

Book Overview

Modern Cruising Under Sail is a book for today's cruisers, people who like to think for themselves and eschew one-size-fits-all solutions in favor of making their own decisions. Following in the wake... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585745278
• ISBN13: 9781585745272
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: UNKNO
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Focussed and authoritative

There are probably many sailing people out there who will have a hard time with this book. There are many "beliefs" in sailing that owe their rigidity to a combination of the sailor's legendary stubornness and the wish that follows from it to believe what seems obvious to the eye. Dodds takes apart many of these misconceptions -- about boat design, motivations for cruising, attitudes towards safety and the environment -- and puts forward alternative views that are based as much on a dispassionate observation of his fellow cruisers as on a good technical understanding of how a boat actually responds to the physical forces of water and wind. Two of the biggest "undeniable truths" about boat design that Dodds deals with, for example, are the belief that heavy displacement hulls are always more stable than lighter hulls, and that full keels will track better that fin keels and so make a "better" boat as a result. Dodds methodically dispels these and other misconceptions that have built up over decades of traditional and wishful thinking. Some people may think he is "too technical" or "full of himself", but this would not be a fair and patient assessment. Most of the time I think he gets the physics just right and presents just enough of it to make solid points about what actually happens on the water. There will always be those who want to argue that their pet belief is sacred but this book is intended to be read with an open mind, not to mention with at least a basic understanding of statics and dynamics. Dodds backs up much of his analysis not only with adequate references but also with a great deal of experience of cruising and a sharp eye for what is really going on in the physical world. He seems to know his fellow sailors very well and sees where they all too quickly delude themselves into thinking what they want to rather than what reality is spelling out. This book touches on every conceivable aspect of cruising, from the reasons to go, to how to pay for a boat and trip, to how to choose a boat, what hull, rig, and stove might be the best, and what might happen to you out on the water if you are not prepared both mentally and physically. Some of his warnings are sobering, as they probably should be given the investment of time, money, and personal invovlement that cruising can require. He takes into consideration all popular options in every area of his analysis and gives his opinion on what might work best for cruising, as opposed to day-sailing or racing. He compares dozens of boats based on well-explained technical specifications, and overall gives such good practical advice that, even if you disagree with him on his technical conclusions for whatever reasons, you will feel more that adequately informed about what cruising is really like and how you can make it safer and more enjoyable. One of my favourite parts are the chapters on the Galley and Interior Space, where he discusses the merits of various stove fuel and

Well worth the money and the time

Dodds is pretty opinionated about most things; he always seems to have a strong view (it must be nice never to be uncertain about anything), but he packs a lot into his book. And of course the reader can always make up his/her own mind.I found the book enjoyable and thought-provoking as Dodds often challenges the "conventional wisdom".I'm very much in the dreaming and planning stages of going cruising, so still have a lot to learn. When someone gives me a new slant on things, as Dodds has, I appreciate it.I'd recommend the book to anyone who is interested in extended cruising. You'll read arguments both for and against, and then a range of advice on what and how to do it.One topic not often covered well in other books is the big questioni of what it costs, which models work best for funding your boat and cruise etc. Dodds doesn't shy away from these areas either.Overall, a very good read and highly recommended.

Libertarian gives rave review.

I knew I liked this book after reading the first few pages. It is quite different from similar products I've purchased. I found it refreshing, practical, and useful. I smiled a lot while reading it and feel much more comfortable planning my own escape. I feel it is much more honest than the rest. The humor in this book is not just an ambient lament, it conveys the seriousness of the material presented and sends it home in a most refreshing way. It provides the material provided with a staying power that is unique. This book says what few books will. I learned a lot. I'm not a writer- I am a book consumer, and will leave the writing and my money with Don Dodds. Thanks Don, good work.

Informative and Hard Hitting

I found the book provide considerable information about cruising that is not found elsewhere. Most books are written by people who glorify the experience of cruising. The author has ignored the old adage, if the truth conflicts with the legend print the legend. This book tells it like it is. Some of what is said will upset the starry eyed skippers with there eyes firmly fixed on the horizon. Some of what is said also conflicts with conventional thinking. Where conflict occurs the points are well supported and offers another side of the issue. I found chapters 2 and 3 very informative. Also the chapters on selecting the boat and rig have considerable information presented in a clear easily understood form. The later chapters are worth the price of the book alone. The author has a relaxed style that works for people who like to read, very similar to his other book "Modern Seamanship." It is not a picture book, but I found the illustrations adequate.