Cruising The Basics

For weekend of full-time cruising, by POWER or SAIL, here's how to: read a chart, plot a course, check a light, call a friend, hail a bridge, leave a lock, tie a line, tow a boat, or set a hook. Plus tips on waves and tides, rivers, inlets, and much more. Whether you're heading out for your first overnighter or an extended coastal cruise, knowing what's ahead and how to deal with it will make your voyage safe and enjoyable. Here's everything you need to get started: Reading and understanding charts Plotting a course Anchoring and docking safely Negotiating traffic Watching the weather Communicating with boats and shore Avoiding hazardsAiken, Zora is the author of 'Cruising The Basics', published 2006 under ISBN 9781599210155 and ISBN 1599210150.