Tricks of the Trades
I loved this book! Absolutely the *best* I've yet read for a more mature cruiser. Written by the author of Gentleman's Guide to Passages South, "Tricks of the Trade" is an amalgamation of the wisdom Van Sant has accumulated over the decades afloat. You see, so many of these boating books seem to be written for physically fit 30-something's with far more stamina than I have -- oft times I've felt overwhelmed by what seems the norm for these kids.
[Oh, I enjoyed Bill Bradley's book "On Board With Bradley" for liveaboard boaters that marina hop... that is a good book too.] However, "Tricks of the Trades" has earned a place aboard and has become a much used reference. Gosh, it's like having the captain sitting a spell and explain things to me, his willing to learn audience.
Bruce Van Sant is an older gent, and I find his insights invaluable as far as coping with my own declining physical strength and more -- heck if it's not falling apart, it's not mine! (laughs) His advice is practical, versus pie-in-the-sky high-$$ solutions that may work, or might break down and cause serious problems. His suggestion for anchor raising makes such clear-as-a-bell sense one wonders why it isn't standard advice... and for the record, I intend to be a two cuppa. (smile)
I suspect his theories on boat repair will become my own as well. His experiences rang true, and I think his methods will work for me. Practical advice -- I like it and agree with most of his conclusions regarding repairs.
The section on weather I still have not yet fully internalized. It's complicated -- not something I could read once and understand immediately. That's okay though, as I'm keeping my copy of this book.
I don't know that I agree 100% with his views mind you, but there is a lot of wisdom found within the pages of this book. I'd recommend purchasing -- and would go so far as to suggest you pay retail!
Tricks of the Trades: A definite keeper.
Number Of Pages: 182
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Bruce Van Sant writes the popular guide The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South which many cruising sailors call their "Bible" for traveling through the islands of the trade winds to South America. It has advice that BlueWater Sailing calls "priceless".
In Tricks of the Trades, Van Sant widens the scope to handle questions of health, thieves, con artists, corrupt officials, equipment, brokers, outfitters and more. You find sound counsel for "single handers" and unique tips on how to find and outfit a boat for your trade winds cruise.
In his fourth decade of living and cruising foreign, Van Sant has amassed stratagems for sailors cruising abroad for the first time. Not how to survive, but how to live well while cruising safely and comfortably. In short, Tricks for successfully cruising the islands of the trade winds.
Tricks of the Trades presents a lively documentary from Van Sant’s 45 years of sailing and seven years of trawlering. It gives graphic and detailed accounts of natural effects you can use to cheat the ceaseless winds and wild seas of their power to deny you safe and comfortable passage through the islands of the trades of any ocean.
List Price: USD 14.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 8.70
Lowest New Price: USD 9.92
Really Excellent Guide
You can't judge a book by it's cover! I thought this book was about weather and tides... what I GOT was a cross-section of extremely valuable and COMPREHENSIVE information! From gettings prescriptions filled in a foreign land to how to provisions a boat... this author doesn't mince words, but goes RIGHT to the crux of the discussion. Absolutely invaluable.
Five Stars may not be enough - Great Book!
The author has a wonderfully informative and easy to read style. The book is packed with real golden nuggets of cruising / liveaboard information. Insights into human nature and societies and their application to a cruising lifestyle are unique and valuable.