This book will teach you to be a good skipper. As a result your cruising will be safer, more efficient and more enjoyable. "Cruising" is divided into three parts: preparation, handling the boat and passage making. PART ONE: THE ROLE OF THE SKIPPER Managing the boat and crew Emergencies Weather forecasting PART TWO: HANDLING THE BOAT Handling under sail and power Berthing and anchoring PART THREE: MAKING A PASSAGE Planning Navigation & pilotage Heavy weather. "Key facts for the RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper practical courses and the Yachtmaster practical exam."Handling under sail and power, passage making and crew dynamics: everything a sailing skipper needs to know. Part 1: covers how to assess the boat, her crew and the weather. Part 2: covers boat handling, both under sail and power. All manoeuvres, from man overboard to docking, are covered. Part 3: covers the passage itself, be it a day sail or a passage with watches and night sailing. It's tough being a skipper - this book gives you the knowledge and philosophy to be a success.