Owning a boat involves sailors developing a whole new skill set and taking on a raft of new responsibilities, but this essential handbook takes the stress out of what should be an enjoyable, rewarding next step, and shares a wealth of practical advice on what might initially seem daunting new challenges. Drawn from over 35 years of the author's own experiences, this book is packed with expert wisdom and hand-holding guidance on every aspect of owning, equipping, maintaining, sailing and - of course - enjoying your first boat. Topics covered include: Choice of boat; Insurance; Assessing (and costing) moorings and berths; Navigation and safety equipment; Domestic equipment (galley, bedding, clothing, etc); Navigation (including in fog); Manoeuvring in close spaces; Sources of weather information and forecasts; Responsibilities towards crew; Catering and cooking; Maintenance advice (daily tips, winterising, engine servicing, fitting out for spring, etc); Paperwork (including customs forms); Dealing with emergencies; and more. Filled with colour photos and diagrams throughout, this comprehensive guide is indispensable for new skippers who have learned to sail at a sailing school or on a friend's boat and are ready to take the next step.

This manual takes both novice and experienced boatowner through minor to major repairs of electrical systems, engines, electronics, steering systems, generators, pumps, cookers, spars and rigging. When it was first published in 1990, the Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual broke new ground. It was hailed as the first truly DIY manual for boatowners and has sold in its thousands ever since. There have been significant changes in boat systems since then, particularly electrical systems, and this fourth edition has been fully updated to reflect these developments and expand its predecessor's worldwide popularity. 'Probably the best technical reference and troubleshooting book in the world' Yachting Monthly 'It deserves to come standard with every boat' Yachting World

As a yacht stew for over 20 years, Alene Keenan has traveled the world and served on world-renowned yachts, and has provided yacht owners and charter guests with the most memorable holidays imaginable. In THE YACHT GURU'S BIBLE, Alene shares her unique expertise, practical tips and guidelines, insider knowledge, and accompanies it all with photos, illustrations, checklists, and more. With the same grace and generosity that she has shown through her years of service onboard, this book will teach you how to elevate your hospitality skills and excel on a luxury yacht. Learn the essentials to not only professionally succeed but to also live the life of your dreams. "As her editor for the past seven years, I learn something new every month when her column arrives. Alene Keenan's ambition goes well beyond training stews and is really about not just educating them, but teaching them how to think. Being a yacht stew is her calling, her mission, her faith, in a way." -- Lucy Chabot Reed, Editor, THE TRITON-- FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOS-- Review of Latest Training Requirements-- Inside Scoop of What It's Like to Be a Yacht Stew-- Detailed Instructions to Help Hone Your Service Skills

As a yacht stew for over 20 years, the author has traveled the world and served on world-renowned yachts, and has provided yacht owners and charter guests with the most memorable holidays imaginable. Publisher's Note: This is the B&W version of the print book. In THE YACHT GURU'S BIBLE, the author shares her unique expertise, practical tips and guidelines, insider knowledge, and provides the reader with photos, illustrations, checklists, and more. With the same grace and generosity that she has shown through her years of service onboard, this book will teach you how to elevate your hospitality skills and excel on a luxury yacht. Learn the essentials to not only professionally succeed but to also live the life of your dreams. "As her editor for the past seven years, I learn something new every month when her column arrives. Alene Keenan's ambition goes well beyond training stews and is really about not just educating them, but teaching them how to think. Being a yacht stew is her calling, her mission, her faith, in a way." -- Lucy Chabot Reed, Editor, THE TRITON -- B&W ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOS -- Review of Latest Training Requirements -- Inside Scoop of What It's Like to Be a Yacht Stew -- Detailed Instructions to Help Hone Your Service Skills

This short paperback gives a wealth of information on small boats and their safe operation.