“An absolute compendium of concise, definitive information for cruising sailors.” Dan Spurr, Practical Sailor (USA)

“This is surely the finest, most complete, authoritative and, above all, most human among the guides to the serious side of ocean voyaging and local cruising. The Dashews share knowledge they have collected over years of sailing and designing their own yachts, and every bit of it will enhance our safety and enjoyment aboard. My hat is off to the authors for a great accomplishment.”
Jack Somer, Editor, Yachting Magazine

Jam-packed into 1232 pages is the latest information on 2200 subjects with 2500 detailed illustrations. Now in its tenth printing, Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia brings together in one concise, easy-to-use volume all the information you need to make the right decisions (and avoid the wrong ones) for your own style of cruising.

Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia has empowered a generation of cruisers to untie their dock lines and go. Packed with data on every facet of sailing, from design and systems to the cruising lifestyle, it has provided sailors around the world with the knowledge necessary to buy, equip, and prepare themselves in the most efficient manner possible. That’s why Motor Boating and Sailing says this book has “…everything you’ll ever need to know about offshore cruising from people who have been there. A true encyclopedia built on first-hand knowledge.”

Practical advice from someone who has been there

Linda and Steve Dashew bring to Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia a unique perspective, integrating their experience as sailors, designers, builders and sea-going parents. They’ve sailed all their lives, circumnavigated with their two small daughters, designed and/or built more than fifty large cruising yachts, and owned two boat yards and twelve yachts. Practical Sailor says “Steve and Linda have logged better than 175,000 miles over the past 40 years… their books are what they suggest, encyclopedic advice on everything from how to keep the anchor chain from tangling to sizing mattresses so there’s enough space to tuck in comforters.”

The equivalent of nine major books, this is the resource of which Chuck Paine, Naval Architect says “If you are buying or building a boat, the Dashews’ reference work will prove invaluable.” Circumnavigator George Day, former editor of Cruising World calls it “…the standard reference for all sailors preparing to sail offshore.” While noted cruising yacht designer Bob Perry says “The Dashews’ book is indispensable to the point where I keep one copy on my boat and the other in my office.”

Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia will dramatically increase your knowledge of yacht design, systems, safety, and the cruising lifestyle. The Dashews integrate the critical factors of heavy weather safety and at-anchor cruising needs into every decision, making it possible to choose for yourself the best approach for your own cruising plans and budget. That’s why Bob Lush of Sailing Canada .says “This is a book of superlatives… obviously of great value for any owner who wants to upgrade any system.” All this information is in an easy-to-read style with a detailed cross reference index, making it one of the most usable books you’ll ever own.

Stretch your cruising budget

You don’t need a ton of money to find the right boat, outfit it, and go cruising if you know how to set your priorities. The key is being able to recognize a good situation and take advantage of it when it comes along. The Dashews will show you how to evaluate those opportunities. And when you’ve found the boat, they’ll lead you step-by-step through outfitting, covering everything from refrigeration (if you need it at all) to the right type of cushion fabrics. Want to know about schooling the kids, treating your fresh water, or preparing for medical problems? It is all there along with data on 2200 other subjects.
The second edition of Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia brings together in one integrated volume the information you need to make the right decisions (and avoid the wrong ones) for your own style of cruising. And best of all, the Dashews tie these topics to the real world, both on and offshore, with an eye towards every level of budget and experience.

Reviews and comments

“…filled with information on everything from choosing the right propeller, davits, or charging system to sea berths and upholstery. And every conceivable subject in-between.” Elaine Thompson, Yachting World (UK)
“Vital for anybody planning to take up ocean voyaging as a lifestyle…Encapsulates a lifetime of cruising experience…Dipping into any section at random reveals a wealth of practical “hands-on” information which any cruiser would find valuable…An outstandingly detailed volume for sailors who are serious about their world cruise.” Cruising Helmsman(Australia)
“A complete source of inventive cruising tips and sea stories, culled from one liveaboard family’s vast cruising experience…all covered in an enjoyable narrative style.” Lakeland Boating (USA)
“The single most useful text available anywhere for sailors who are outfitting a boat for voyaging — full of good ideas, educated opinions, ingenious solutions, useful charts and tables, and world cruising savvy.”Blue Water Sailing (USA)