John Mellor spent five years as a Royal Navy Officer, then 20 years as a professional yacht skipper - interspersed with spells as a sailing school manager, navigation instructor and trawler skipper. He now writes full time and sails for pleasure, mainly on traditional vessels.

Select Guide Rating

• Using the Log Book. Abbreviations and Symbols.The Beaufort Scale.Compass Deviation.Log Daily Pages.Engine Log.Radio Log.Waypoint List.Dimensions.Expiry Dates.Ship’s Equipment.Visitors’ Book and Crew List.Season Summary.