Offshore Sailing: 200 Essential Passagemaking Tips

• #9 in Best Sailing Books

15 Reviews

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Ever slap your head and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" Well, there's a good chance Bill Seifert has figured it out and the answer is in this book. But don't misunderstand - this book is not just clever, it's practical, and although the title says "offshore" don't be fooled. The advise here is for all of us, from day sailor to coastal cruiser to offshore explorer. These tips will not only make you a better, safer sailor, they will increase your enjoyment. For example, by following Bill's advise on spring lines and docking I have substantially reduced frustration and tension. And don't leave this book at home! There are 10 pages of recipes from one of the world's best offshore gastronomes.

I rarely bother to write reviews, but I have to add my kudos to the others given here. There is a down-to-earth pragmatism in these pages that I haven't found anywhere else. The authors have condensed an extraordinary amount of experience into 200 very succinct tips that cover a broad range of subjects. Many of their suggestions are low tech and can be easily implemented yourself. They have been there, done that and it shows. I am putting this one right next to Dashew, Calder, Sutphen and Leonard to fill in the blanks.

Having a copy of this book is the next best thing to actually having Bill aboard. I have had the privilege of knowing and sailing with Bill for over 12 years. While I had sailed all my life, I had never done any offshore work until after I met Bill. His teaching prepared me and my family for the satisfying challenges of offshore sailing. He has sailed with me on 4 Marion-Bermuda races including the 2001 race in which we were first in Class A, and 2nd(by one minute) on elapsed time. He is an excllent teacher and a resourceful boat keeper. He is also an outstanding offshore gourmet cook.(That is another story, maybe even a book.) Many of the tips in this book were generated by his experiences on my Alden 50 cutter, Despedida and on her successor, a new Alden 54 cutter. I would not go offshore without having read this book and having it aboard. With this book, all aspiring to sail offshore, can have Bill aboard.

Bill Seifert delivers a lifetime of extremely practical sailing advice in an easy-to-read format. I have made it a habit to read one tip each night and that time has been extremely valuable. Bill is very focused on safe sailing and I'll feel better equipped as I pull away from my slip this spring for having read his work. It is sprinkled with great bits of humor that keep you reading!

Dave Bohl

Offshore Sailing: 200 Essential Passagemaking Tips by yachting expert Bill Seifert is a highly practical guidebook, written by a veteran sailor with 30 years of experience and 100,000 offshore miles to his credit. From boat design and safety, including electrical components and mechanical systems, to navigation to at-sea cooking tips, Offshore Sailing has tips, tricks, and techniques for sailors of all skill levels. Written in a warm, friendly, personable manner yet packed with critical and professional know-how, and with the assistance of Daniel Spurr (editor of "Practical Sailor" for twelve years), Seifert's Offshore Sailing is truly a first-rate, "user friendly", core reference for any sailing person's library.

This book looks disappointing at first because it is a thin expensive hardcover, but it is worth the money. There is very little fluff and the content is well structured and to the point. It covers most things necessary to prepare your boat for offshore sailing including tool lists, weight distribution, polars and VMG, secants and many other useful tips. Lots of pictures, tables and diagrams.

This is a very comprehensive book explaining what you need to know about offshore sailing.

Although the title of the book indicates the 200 tips are for passagemaking, don't be fooled. Many of the the ideas presented are just as applicable for costal cruising, or even day sailing.
The author has obviously spent most of his life messing around in boats. The result is a ton of highly practical, useful bits and pieces of information Seifert has acquired through actual experience, some good, some not so good. This is a book that should be kept on board, read several times, and retained as reference material.

When dealing with the myriad systems and materials on a sailboat, there's no substitute for experience. And no one has more experience than Bill Seifert. His generosity with his knowledge combined with his humor and writing ability make this book essential reading for anyone who sails. Any passage will be more fun and safe if you take Seifert along with you.

Bill Seifert has truly succeeded in identifying and presenting solutions to the offshore yachtsmen's biggest issues. The age-old problem is how to transfer the "great sea-captains" knowledge of the past to the offshore hopeful. Bill succeeds in both words and photo's without the usual noise associated with "how to" books.
Anyone who is thinking of exploring the world away from land should commit this book to memory.

I recommend this book to all novices and many experienced offshore sailors to prepare for the unexpected problems that you need to address or avoid especially when you are so exposed to the extremes of nature, and completely disconnected from any immediate help. Lots of good lessons learned and references.
Chris C.

Outstanding..This book answers many of the questions that have been bothering me. Well worth the first read and as a reference.

It would be foolish to think about seriously sailing or cruising without taking Bill Seifert's learned counsel!!

I have previously spent a year living aboard a Hans Christian 38 on the west coast and in the Sea of Crortez. The sailing bug has hit me again and plan to get out again in a few years. This book rekindled knowledge that I already believed in and offered insights that I wish that I had had before. A true joy to read.

So many ideas, most will save you time, some safety tips could save your life.