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Tropical Cruising Handbook is now on
MAHINA EXPEDITIONS Suggested Reading List for their 2002-2004 Expeditions
Cruising World
" Supported by decades of cruising and writing experience,
the authors deliver a rare gem -- an instructional book that is as inspiring
as it is sensible and comprehensive. Combining plain language with helpful
lists, photographs, tables, and illustrations, the book offers refreshing
insights into a range of low-latitude topics -- from outfitting your boat
for warmer climes to piloting through squalls and coral reefs."
The editors, Cruising World Magazine, November 2002
Ocean Navigator
"Vast and hard-earned knowledge . . . informs every page
. . . This book clearly demonstrates that sensible, safe voyaging in the
tropics is an achievable goal."
Tim Queeney - editor, Ocean Navigator
Read Ocean Navigator's full review online
Sea
"If you foresee low-latitude voyaging in your future, Tropical Cruising
Handbook is sure to be of great use to you. Written by Mark Smaalders
and Kim Des Rochers, the book covers navigating and anchoring in coral waters,
tropical weather systems, passage-making, maintaining your boat and gear,
tropical illnesses and health hazards, route planning and other important
topics."
The editors, Sea Magazine, November 2002
Good Old Boat
"...Tropical Cruising Handbook condenses much of the information you'll
need into one compact source with some terrific references you'll want to
look into before you go. ... I was specifically interested in Mark and
Kim's information about necessary customs and immigration permits and procedures
and their list of resources which should be valuable to anyone planning a
voyage. This is information which does not seem to be otherwise available
in one neat package. ... Perhaps the best part for anyone considering a lengthy
cruise is the comprehensive review of popular tropical cruising destinations
including currents, geography, weather, culture, formalities, and health
and safety issues. Areas reviewed in this fashion (with helpful planning
charts for reference) include the West Indies, Central America, the Caribbean
areas of South America, the South Atlantic, The North and South Pacific,
the North and South Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. ...The
book provides a nice primer on tropical ecosystems (coral reefs and mangrove
forests) and weather patterns along with storm tactics for heavy weather.
It discusses navigation and anchoring strategies with a specific focus on
coral reefs - perils for you and protection for them. There are basic discussions
of sails, sailing strategies, route planning, passagemaking, and "green cruising."
Another chapter sums up methods for providing ventilation, shade, and drinking
water while also reviewing provisioning, laundry, and dealing with tropical
pests such as roaches and mosquitoes. Mark and Kim also offer an extensive
discussion of metal corrosion and a brief review of boat and engine maintenance
and necessary spares....If we were heading south ... Tropical Cruising Handbook
is one reference I'd study before leaving and take along with me when the
docklines were finally untied."
Karen Larsen, editor, Good Old Boat, in Good Old Boat Newsletter,
October 2002
Boat Books (New Zealand)
Each year adventurous sailors are drawn down from relatively high latitudes
to find the warm and embracing environment in between the Tropics of Cancer
and Capricorn. This region, however, brings its own unique challenges to
navigation and life generally aboard a cruising yacht. This book provides
the knowledge and the skills needed to meet the challenges set by the new
environment. The authors have many years of experience living in and cruising
the Tropics and their book is a comprehensive yet easy-to-follow text. It
covers weather and sea conditions, tropical seamanship, visual and intuitive
navigation, anchoring among reefs, passage-making, dealing with heavy weather,
and boat maintenance in tropical environments.
Domestic factors are covered too: the treatment and prevention of tropical
illnesses, including injury from tropical flora, fauna and marine life, and
dealing with port officialdom. The tropical cruising fraternity very warmly
recommend this book as an indispensable addition to the cruising yacht's
technical library.
Boat Books New Zealand, 15 November 2002
Cruising Helmsman
"The idea flow is easy to follow and is backed up by excellent
illustrations. In particular, the the treatment of tropical weather and
cyclones was among the most understandable I have encountered because it
was so clearly written and illustrated... The writers are geographers with
a huge knowledge of their environment and a gift for clearly conveying their
knowledge, enthusiasm and concerns... [C]ontains a wealth of information,
plus excellent tables and diagrams... [A] handbook must be authoritative,
comprehensive and have excellent indexing. This book scores highly on
all counts and I thoroughly recommend it, particularly (but not solely)
for those beginning their tropical cruising."
David Kerr - writing in Cruising Helmsman (Australia, June
2002 issue)
The Islands' Weekly
"Don't go cruising in the tropics without Tropical Cruising
Handbook ... it's great reading even if you're an armchair cruiser and
don't plan to sail away anytime soon. It's written in a warm, straightforward
style by two people with many years of experience. Through every chapter
... runs an authoritative current of responsibility, good sense, and
good manners that every boater - indeed every traveler - would do well to
emulate."
Leta Currie-Marshall - writing in The Islands' Weekly (July
9-16, 2002)
Additional reviews will be posted as they become available
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