Reading List (always expanding...)

There a number of tremendous books that will help improve your sailing experience - safety at sea, adventures, medical care, knots, voyage planning, etc.

We are building out a list of top recommendations. Come back frequently to check in on the latest recommendations!

Note - these are recommendations based on our own ownership and use of the books. We do not get any commission or other compensation if you buy the books at the links provided.

Title	Author	ISBN	Source	Why?
The Voyager's Handbook	Beth Leonard	978-0-07-143765-3	https://cartnear.com/itm/the-voyagers-handbook-2nd-edition-by-beth-leonard-hardcover-49094?form=MG0AV3	Incredible reference to help you get offshore safely - highly recommended.
North U. TRIM	Bill Gladstone	0-9724361-1-1	https://store.asa.com/north-u-racing-trim/?form=MG0AV3	You will be a dramatically better helmsperson or sail trimmer if you read, understand and apply this book.
Light List for the area you are traversing	US Coast Guard			Critical for safe navigation in the Pacific, West Coast of US or Great Lakes/East Coast of the US
US Chart Number 1	NOAA	Latest Edition		Explains symbols, abbreviations and terms used on paper and electronic charts
Offshore Cruising Companion	John Neal			John gives lectures at boat shows - his experience cruising the world is extremely valuable for new or experienced cruisers.
Single-handed Sailing	Frank Mulville	0-85036-410-8		Excellent info for people sailing alone
Puget Sound - a Boater's Guide	Anne & Lawrence Yeadon-Jones	978-0-9739865-1-8		Part of the Dreamspeaker series for Pacific Northwest Sailing. Highly recommended
Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook	Nigel Calder	0-07-135099-3		Nigel is a thorough and comprehensive writer and is very entertaining if you see him at a local boat show. He is at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat festival every year and his sessions always fill-up.
North-U Fast Course	North Sails		At North Sails shops	An outstanding book that you can by separately or get if you take the North U "Fast" Course. Helps with crew work so your cruising and racing are more enjoyable.
A Sea Vagabond's World	Bernard Moitessier	978-1-4930-4280-7		Moitessier had more impact on my life than anyone else in the world.
The Morrow guide to Knots	Mario Bigon and Guido Regazzoni	0-688-01226-4		Excellent illustrations to help you learn the specific purpose for a knot with illustrations on how to tie it correctly.
Come Aboard	Eric Hiscock	0-911378-59-6		Join Eric and Susan on their 3rd circumnavigatoin - 31,895 miles.
Wandering Under Sail	Eric Hiscock	0-911378-61-8		Eric's early days sailing
The Complete Rigger's Apprentice	Brion Toss	0-07-064840-9		Brion was my neighbor in Port Townsend and his rigging shop is just down the street. I keep this handy whenever I am prepping for an offshore passage.
Storm Tactics Handbook	Lin and Larry Pardey	0-9646036-6-7		Great tips if you run into bad weather offshore
Desirable and Undesirable Characteristics of Offshore Yachts	Technical Committee of the Cruising Club of America	0-393-03311-2		Great reference to review when you are shopping for a boat to take offshore.
Advanced Racing Tactics	Stuart H Walker	0-393-30333-0		If you are interested in racing your sailboat this is a great reference to build your skills and also understand how you can improve your safety at sea generally.
Marine Weather Handbook	Steve & Linda Dashew	09658027-2-5		Forecasting and Tactics when you are at sea