Mariner’s Weather Handbook: Indispensable Guide (Practical Sailor)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Steve and Linda Dashew are well-known for their innovative series of big, high-speed Deerfoot and Sundeer cruising boats, and their encyclopedic reference books on cruising. Their Mariner’s Weather Handbook applies the same thorough approach to understanding marine weather that they have previously used to lead you through the maze of contradictory advice on choosing and equipping a cruising boat. This is an essential book for any cruising sailor who has even the slightest interest in developing a good understanding of weather.<\/p>\n …The book is packed with useful illustrations. A large percentage of these illustrations are reproductions of various weather facsimile products. The Dashews do a good job of teaching you how to understand them.<\/p>\n …A big bonus is the inclusion of a complete version of the book on CD. If you would rather sit at the computer than read a book, this may be the approach you take to the Mariner’s Weather Handbook. In some ways, the CD is better, as the photos on the CD are shown in full color.<\/p>\n Knowledge gained from this book came in handy on the bumpy ride from Tonga to New Zealand. Faced with a rapidly deepening low-pressure system dropping down on us from New Caledonia, our weather forecaster advised us to try to heave to and let the depression pass south of us. This potentially would have left us in the strongest sector of the low, with winds of 50 knots or more…Instead, with an accurately calibrated barometer, a fresh understanding of the motion of extra-tropical lows, and up-to-date weatherfaxes, we decided to carry as much sail as we could and head due south as quickly as possible. That proved to be the right choice, as the barometer showed the low stalling to our northwest, and we escaped with only a minor beating.<\/p>\n The book’s $75 price is a lot cheaper than going back to school.<\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n From Caribbean Compass:<\/strong> What if you could–well, not control the weather exactly, but feel you had enough mastery to use it? Weather is omnipresent, but knowledge is power, and for cruisers a thorough understanding of weather structure, analysis and forecasting is powerful stuff indeed. Formidable cruiser\/writer team Steve and Linda Dashew’s sixth and latest heavyweight publication, Mariner’s Weather Handbook: A Guide to Forecasting and Tactics, not only explains all of the above in “user-friendly” terms, but also outlines tactics sailors can employ to either avoid certain weather systems or use them to best advantage. In their over 200,000 miles of sailing, the Dashews have developed a sensible concept of “risk analysis” to evaluate whether a system is one which can be used or should be avoided. The book covers traditional and modern forecasting methods ranging from observing the sky, sea state, barometer, and wind to the use of weather-fax charts for both current analysis and long term prognosis. The interpretation of 500mb charts ( which they call the “secret” of professional forecasters and routers) is explained in a non-technical manner, and an easy-to-follow course is given on how to use high and low pressure systems to maximum advantage. There is extensive data on tropical storm forecasting and avoidance which should be essential hurricane season reading. “Bent back warm front” storms are explored in depth. This recently discovered storm structure applies to 60 percent or more of all major open-ocean storms. An understanding of the explosive growth of these storms and the unusual way in which the wind develops around the central core is critical knowledge for offshore voyagers. The CD-Rom edition of Mariner’s Weather Handbook is fully searchable, with a linked table of contents and index (click on a subject and you are instantly transported there). It also includes the internet addresses of numerous weather-related sites with an automatic connection feature.<\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n From Weatherwise:<\/strong> This step-by-step manual of analysis, forecasting, and weather tactics is written for anyone who works or plays upon the sea. Authors Steve and Linda Dashew stress the importance of understanding the process by which dangerous storms form and then making early decisions and taking appropriate actions. They also discuss the benign nature of most weather, and provide an easy-to-follow course of action for using typical weather systems to maximum advantage. They cover traditional and modern forecasting methods, explain 500 millibar charts, tropical-storm forecasting, and “bent-back warm fronts.”<\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n “Take it from someone whose favorite TV program is anything on The Weather Channel: Steve and Linda Dashew’s Mariner’s Weather Handbook is the real deal. This big, fully illustrated volume is well written, clear and concise, and eminently informative.” Herb McCormick, Executive Editor, Cruising World<\/strong><\/p>\n “Weather from the offshore sailor’s point of view; primarily the big picture, but plenty enough on short-term conditions, especially pertaining to storms and hurricanes.” Wooden Boat<\/strong><\/p>\n “…useful for weather observers of all skill levels…The Dashews have once again provided a book that could be considered the definitive volume on the subject.” Twain Braden, Editor, Ocean Navigator<\/strong><\/p>\n “This is not just another book on meteorology. This is a book about sailing, risk analysis and weather tactics..(and) how a sailor can translate this knowledge on board and act accordingly.” Ruud Kattenberg, Editor, Zeilen<\/strong><\/p>\n “Brings together essential elements of weather forecasting and tactics used by professional routers, forecasters, and ocean racing navigators. Tells how mariners can make their own forecasts using just the sky, sea, and wind, and explains how to use facsimile charts, upper atmosphere charts, and the Internet. Shows how to spot potential weather risks before they are announced, and explains in full how to tell if official forecasts are accurate. Contains chapters on areas including fronts, onboard predictions, the jet stream, squalls, tropical cyclones, hurricane avoidance, satellite direct receivers, and fog. Includes some 530 b&w photos and illustrations, plus checklists, summaries, and numerous examples from tropical and temperate climates for both North and South Hemispheres.” SciTech Book News<\/strong><\/p>\n “…Written by ocean going yachtsmen for ocean going yachtsmen, it provides a valuable insight into the usefulness of IT in obtaining meteorological information. The authors explain how we can use some of the three-dimensional methods of forecasting used by the professionals, pointing out that most meteorological text books for yachtsmen only offer a two dimensional approach. While advocating the benefits of current technology, information is included concerning the keeping of records on board of wind direction, cloud conditions, and barometric pressure. Methods of using these to help figure out what is happening when forecasts from professional routers are in error are provided…Tactics for choosing the right time to sail by reference to met fax information are covered, as well as the skills necessary to revise your voyage plan as the weather develops. Evasive actions that can be taken to minimise the worst effects of gales and tropical storms are…fully covered.” Cruising<\/strong><\/p>\n “Thank you for the copies of Storm and Weather. I devoured them both enroute to the Seattle Safety at Sea Seminar. I found them to be The Best books on these subjects I’ve ever seen, for the blue water sailing public. I touted them very highly at the seminar, and expect you’ll get several orders from some of the 150 people in attendance. Please relay my appreciation for the books to Steve and Linda. These are very important additions to the growing literature targeted at bluewater sailing.” John Bonds, Safety at Sea educator.<\/strong><\/p>\n “Excellent book…As an operational weather forecaster and ocean racing tactical navigator I must say that it would be a BIG task to better your book.” Kenn Batt, NSW Severe Weather Section, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n “…very impressed with the detail and content – particularly that you have written about the southern hemisphere as well which is something lacking in most weather\/sailing books. I will recommend it to others who ask for reference material.” Clare Richards, Senior Meteorologist, Australian Met Service<\/strong><\/p>\n “As someone who has for many years been fascinated by the complexities of weather interpretation at sea, I welcome the Dashew’s new Mariner’s Weather Handbook – a volume as complete and concise as this, has long been overdue. Steve and Linda draw on decades of successful voyaging experience and communicate in such a user-friendly style – not only the ‘why, what and when’ of weather – but in how to best utilize the weather to advantage for a given situation. This resource should be a part of the preparation and ongoing education of any sailor interested in safe, meaningful passagemaking. The principles so clearly explained will apply whether your sailing takes you along a coast or around the world, be it racing or cruising.” Alan Nebauer, BOC Single-handed Race Competitor<\/strong><\/p>\n “This terrific new book includes modern and traditional techniques to help the average sailor predict weather and assess potential weather-related risks. The Dashews tell how to interpret clouds, wind direction, weather maps, and met broadcasts in order to make the right cruising and racing tactical decisions. Their examples from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres provide plenty of concrete practical tips.” John Rousmaniere, Author of The Annapolis Book of Seamanship <\/em>and Fastnet Force 10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n “Just once through will suggest a new way of looking at weather. Repeated return visits as puzzling or threatening weather is observed will confirm and amplify its value.” Knowles L. Pittman, Circumnavigator and Publisher of One Design Yachtsman <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n “The information and knowledge that I gained from this book and CD were of immense value to me during the past 2 years of sailing experience…This book gets almost as much use as my almanac.” R.O., via e-mail<\/p>\n “I’m reading your excellent Mariner’s Weather Handbook. Thank you for a clearly written explanation of weather processes.” Steve, via e-mail<\/p>\n “I typically read (Mariner’s Weather Handbook) at night…The thought is that some casual reading will aid in falling asleep. Unfortunately, the actual affect is opposite of the intended one. I usually stay up way too late reading and wind up all excited about sailing.” M.M., Seattle, WA<\/p>\n “Excellent reading, like all of your other works.” C.E., via e-mail<\/p>\n “I do my best to promote the book wherever I go. It is just the greatest.” Kenn, via e-mail<\/p>\n “We bought your weather book and have thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned some interesting perspectives. The coverage of upper level phenomena was particularly illuminating…” S.B., via e-mail<\/p>\n “We have the Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia and the Mariner’s Weather Handbook, as well as the Dashew Offshore video …and have enjoyed them immensely.” M.D., via e-mial<\/p>\n “We are in the process of preparing our Swanson 38 for its shakedown cruise into the South Pacific this May, prior to our commencement of an extended circumnavigation in 2001, and we look forward to referencing your Mariner’s Weather Handbook often.” B.V. & A.N., Brisbane, Queensland, Australia<\/p>\n “I am to take part in the 2000-2001 ‘BT Global Challenge – the world’s toughest yacht race’…I am going to ask to help our with weather information gathering and analysis following the fantastic information in your Mariner’s Weather Handbook.” C.B., UK<\/p>\n “I purchased “Surviving the Storm” and “The Mariner’s Weather Handbook” and…have found them to be immensely informative…I have learned much from your books and enjoy browsing your site. I am thankful that you take the time to share your experience and knowledge. While it’s nice to make a profit on your accomplishments, you do the world a great service by simply sharing some of your insights and experience. I will look forward to learning much more from you via your site and your books.” S.H., Westport, CT, USA<\/p>\n “What a great book! I have been slowly reading Mariner’s Weather Handbook to absorb as much of the content as possible…I particularly like the information on the 500 millibar charts and their relationship to low pressure areas on the surface.” S.B., Santa Barbara, CA, USA<\/p>\n “Love your books on Weather and Heavy weather.” D.S., via e-mail<\/p>\n “…Very helpful and readable compared to several other weather books I’ve slogged through…Thanks!” Glen, by e-mail<\/p>\n “Just glancing over the book’s illustrations, it is obvious that someone has finally written a weather book that tells the story in a context that is consistent with the way a cruising, coastal, or day sailor, as opposed to a cargo or naval ship captain, is required to think and act. Congratulations to Beowulf publishing & the Dashew family! ” B.M., Portland, OR, USA<\/p>\n “New Weather book a bargain at twice the price. I am reading it for the third time.” J.W., Pleasant Hill, CA, USA<\/p>\n “I have just finished reading it and have learned a great deal…Thanks for such a fine read on forcasting weather.” E.S., by e-mail<\/p>\n “A quick e-mail to let you know how much I appreciate your books. I own the Offshore Cruising Encylopedia and The Mariners Weather Handbook. I used both books extensively in preparation for a first off-shore voyage (New York – Bermuda – New York) in my Catalina 42 MkII. Although I have done the trip before as a crewmember on other boats, this off-shore trip was a first as skipper of my own boat and, as you know, it introduces a whole new set of responsibilities…I poured over The Mariners Weather Handbook to become more knowledgable about the subject and to reinforce my ability to interpret the weather charts I was downloading from the internet and from SSB fax transmissions…My congratulations on your first-class books. I can only wonder about the amount of research and effort that goes into them.” M.Y., Port Washington, NY, USA<\/p>\n “I recently bought your Mariners Weather Handbook, via your Internet site, and have enjoyed reading it…I particularly found the (chapter) you wrote on Bent Back Warm Fronts to be very enlightening…Very interesting book, keep up the great work.” P.G., Cincinnati, OH, USA<\/p>\n “Great book.” J.M., by e-mail<\/p>\n “Read Mariner’s with delight. As one politician said ‘you got the hay down where the goats could eat it’. I have been studying weather for the last three years with a week-long course at MITAG, much reading and private instruction, yet I got more out of your book than all the other work combined…I am circumnavigating the globe on my Hinckley Sou’wester and your book is one of my most valued possessions.” M.P., by e-mail<\/p>\n ” I have appreciated the hard work creating your book and have found it to be the best weather book I have found, having looked for some time for a good one.” L.S, Newburyport, MA, USA<\/p>\n “Thank you so much for an invaluable tool!!! I’m new to sailing. Over the last four years I have endeavored to learn all that I can within the constraints of continuing to make a living and remaining responsible to other commitments. I’m making a slow mid-life transition to sailing as a way of life and to the degree that I am able a way of making a living. Your weather manual is helping me greatly toward that end!! I’m just about midway into the 500 mlb section and grappling with visualizing the incredible multivariate process we call the atmosphere. It is my experience that the sailing magazines and many of the mariners weather books do not deal adequately with the verticality and the interaction of upper and lower systems. The continuity prediction process always seemed to fall short for me and never seemed to capture the entirety. I’m fully engrossed and entertained by the 500 mlb opening!! I look forward to hours of study and the learning process. Your thoroughness and simplicity of expression speak volumes about the years invested in bringing this work forward and making it available to the laymen. Reading and studying with your handbook brings me great pleasure!! Thank you so much for your dedication.” J.B., Newton, MA, USA<\/p>\n “Via this email I want to thank you folks for writing the Encyclopedia and the weather handbook. Both have been of great value from the moment I bought them…” H.V., Holland<\/p>\n “I recently purchased your book and have read through it once quickly. I find it very impressive and am looking forward to becoming a proficient predictor.” R.S., Monterey Park, CA, USA<\/p>\n “I’m far enough into the Mariner’s Weather Handbook to tell that it will be every bit as valuable a reference sailing, as your Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia has been during design. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!” J.P., via e-mail<\/p>\n “Many thanks for the book, it is exactly what I was waiting for. Very impressive pictures in severe weather chapter!” C.O., Toulon, France<\/p>\n “I just finished your book and I thought it was fantastic.” J.T., Houston, TX, USA<\/p>\n “I have talked to several people who have bought the book and they all seem excited about it. It is a worthy project and, hopefully, will be well-read by cruisers.” D.C., Ventura, CA, USA<\/p>\n “I love…the weather book.” D.V., Ventura, CA, USA<\/p>\n “I both learned of yourselves and your wonderful book at the Trawler Fest just held in Melbourne, Florida. I ran right over to E&B in Melbourne and they had one on the shelf!…This book looks excellent…but what prompted my enthusiasm is that the book is also on CD-ROM!!! This is just fabulous. The first electronically searchable weather book that I know of – it’s the best.” P.S., Melbourne, FL, USA<\/p>\n “Thanks for writing such a great book. I think I’m finally starting to learn something.” R.P., Arvada, CO, USA<\/p>\n “We just want to add a quick note to tell you how much we appreciate your new book on weather. We ordered it in the States, and have found it highly informative and even entertaining….quite something for a book on weather. It is making the rounds here at Vuda Point (Fiji) and initiating a lot of positive comments.” GZ, Fiji<\/p>\n “We just wanted to say that we’re very pleased to have a copy of your Mariner’s Weather Handbook. Steve has read it cover-to-cover and I’m working on it. He and Jim Corenman have been discussing 500mb analysis ever since Goldie’s visit in 1994\/95 – as you know your book is the first to address this critical topic from the mariner’s perspective. This book will have a prominent location in our nav station, whilst the Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia comes aboard in CD-ROM. Every book has to qualify for a slice of the weight budget – so we applaud CD-ROM issues. But until we are confident we have surrounded all of the Weather Handbook, we want the paper copy for study and bedtime reading. Many thanks for your diligent research and carefully worded explanations, as well as the hundreds of photos and illustrations. Wonderful! All the best,” D. & S., New Zealand<\/p>\n “I have only read the first 80 pages…but it has cleared up a few things for me already…it is entertaining and instructional reading.” D.N., Portsmouth, RI, USA<\/p>\n “Great weather book by the way! Have been cruising the Mediterranean Sea last 2 years. Several gales at sea and at anchor. Very changeable weather, localized. Every harbor has a direction that makes it untenable…. After reading your book, I finally am beginning to understand why the barometer doesn’t give the same warning it does further North.” M.H., via e-mail<\/p>\n “I have just received Mariner’s Weather Handbook. It is everything I hoped for.” R.B., by e-mail<\/p>\n “Have now purchased and read both Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia and Mariner’s Weather Handbook. Please pass on to the Dashews our appreciation for two great books – they are now considered the foundation of our cruising library, and we have read everything we could find over the past years.” T.F., Toronto, ON, Canada<\/p>\n “I am currently studying your excellent weather book.” D.P., by e-mail<\/p>\n “I just received my copy of the book and the CD-ROM…It is great!” S.F., Norfolk, VA, USA<\/p>\n “Just read about bent back warm fronts in your new weather book while in Puerto Vallarta last week, and now that we’re back home I find there’s one off the Washington coast right now! The TV weather man didn’t use the right terminology, but the daylight satellite image he showed was unmistakable. Using your web links, I checked it again just now and the infrared image precisely matches the diagram for a fully-developed storm on page 223. Fantastic. We’re just glad we’re not out there right now. Gotta go check the dock lines…Thanks for the education.” J.T., by e-mail<\/p>\n “I received and read both Mariner’s Weather Handbook and Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia cover-to-cover in a matter of a few weeks. Great books!! They were both very informative and extremely interesting. I very much enjoyed the sections which included personal accounts. It was also very interesting to compare marine forecasting techniques to those used when I was flying in the Navy. Both books will make a wonderful addition to my home reference library. Thank you!!” T.D, Italy<\/p>\n “Congratulations on your new book Mariner’s Weather Handbook. Although I only received my copy yesterday, I’m unable to put it down. It’s fantastic! I showed it to my Executive Officer, who is a former instructor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and he is recommending adding it to the curriculum in their weather course…We were particularly impressed with the CD-Rom..Learning how to look beyond the initial forecast and “read between the lines” of charts and subtle weather hints is very important, and your book emphasizes this well.” R.M., Groton, CT, USA<\/p>\n “I recently purchased your weather book and I am enjoying its enlightenments.” J.C., by e-mail<\/p>\n “Thank you for crafting your splendid book on mariner’s weather!” J.M. by e-mail<\/p>\n “Well, I received my copy of the Mariner’s Weather Handbook. Beautifully done in a rugged sort of way. It does look like a workbook. I expect it will get dog-eared with use and has already seen some use in the bent back warm front area. We have a bomb off the coast right now with the center of the low slated to hit the middle of Vancouver Island. I had flipped through that section of the book and when I saw the formation on the weather map, I told the manager of our building that we were in for it. They are predicting winds from 70 to 90 mph early tomorrow. The ship that is towing the bow of the freighter out to sea broke the cable and now it is drifting to the Northeast again. Interesting what you can learn from a book. You know the thing that is interesting about this is if I did still own a boat, I would have been alerted in time, even with my limited knowledge, and I would have had time to move my boat to a safer harbor than where we kept her. I’m impressed. I will read the book now to see what else I can learn that will enable me to “guess” the weather locally. This experience has created a new gamesmanship quality to the weather. The wind is beginning to howl now. I suspect this will be a serious blow. Thanks for the warning and the book.” S.D., Port Townsend, WA, USA<\/p>\n “Thanks for your really interesting Weather Handbook.” A.B., Gross Groenau, Germany<\/p>\n “I used Digital Atmosphere today to plot the 500mb heights over the top of the surface chart. You could really see where the action is going to take place tomorrow. I had never really used the 500mb charts for much before reading your book…They are great! Throw in a water vapor chart, and the job is done!!” T., by e-mail<\/p>\n “Makes good reading!” A.S., Dubai, UAE<\/p>\n “Just purchased your Mariner’s Weather Handbook. It is GREAT!” B.F., Stuart, FL, USA<\/p>\n “I’m a longtime pilot and a new sailor. Your weather book, which I bought, is the best one I’ve seen. It’s really very good. You…did a remarkable job on it.” D.P., Boulder, CO, USA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Magazine Reviews Mariner’s Weather Handbook: Indispensable Guide (Practical Sailor) Steve and Linda Dashew are well-known for their innovative series of …Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dashew-books"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4316"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4316\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Marine Industry Reviews<\/h4>\n
Reader Reviews<\/h4>\n