Landfalls of Paradise

Landfalls of Paradise Fifth edition Cruising Guide to the Pacific Islands by Earl R Hinz and Jim Howard.

This book provides information for making landfall, usually in the port of entry for each country.

Moon Handbooks South Pacific

Moon Handbooks South Pacific by David Stanley

This book is not a dedicated cruising guide, however we find it valuable in planning our shore based activities.

Jimmy Cornell World Cruising Routes

World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell

No passage across world oceans would be complete without Jimmy Cornell's reference book on board.  We have made use of this book on many occasions as we plan our passages across the Pacific.

Inlet ChartBook: Southeastern United States

Randy from Homeward Bound recommended Inlet ChartBook: Southeastern United States by Steve Dodge. We put this book to good use during an off-shore passage between Beaufort Inlet and Masonboro Inlet, NC. Information on navigation and photos of inlets are most helpful for the first time passage though these inlets.

The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South

The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South by Bruce Van Sant.

The cruisers "Bible" for travelling between Florida and Venezuela! Our copy is the Sixth Edition, it is packed with helpful advice for any cruiser planning to head to the Caribbean via the Bahamas. I am going to upgrade to the spiral bound edition, this will make for easy reference and use on passage.

We have read and heard of many tales of woe from people heading down the "Thorny Path". We have also heard from people who completed the journey without too much drama. This led me to start researching the topic in a hope to be better prepared for the day when we take on the Thorny Path.

Reading Van Sant's book has resulted in the realization that sailing into the Trades in Winter will not be easy, but it can be done.

A Sunburned Country

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is at his best as he takes us on a trip down under. He manages to capture the essence of what Australia and Australians are all about. He shares hilarious tales of the phobias of many a visitor to Australia; the worrying about deadly spiders and snakes and of course sharks. Along the way he meets real, true blue characters and notes interesting historical trivia that even most Aussies wouldn't know.

We have given this book to more people than any other we've shared. Take it from an Aussie - you won't find a more entertaining or accurate look at Australia.

The Voyager's Handbook

The Voyager's Handbook by Beth Leonard

We inherited this book when we purchased our sailboat, Bristol Rose, complete with an inscription from Beth. This book contains a wealth of advice and good ideas collected from their circumnavigation on Silk, a Shannon 38.

We emailed Beth and she replied "Wow - my book has passed on to a "second" generation! Your e-mail makes real the idea that my books will probably outlive me..."

Beth Leonard and her husband Evans, have since moved up to a larger boat and are currently 30 miles north of the Straits of Magellan, still cruising and writing.