For any sailor, in a yacht or motorboat, the passage from one place to another is relatively easy, particularly with modern navigation equipment. What can be more of a challenge (and a potential source of anxiety for skipper and crew) is the start and end of a passage – how to leave and arrive safely, particularly if it’s a cramped marina or crowded anchorage.In Illustrated Seamanship, Ivar Dedekam takes you through the techniques required to achieve a safe departure and arrival. Starting with the fundamentals of ropework he then moves on to manoeuvring, berthing, making fast and then leaving. All types of berthing are covered from coming alongside, stern to, bow to, between finger pontoons and using piles and buoys. There is advice about dealing with different wind and current directions as well as using springs.Ivar then turns to anchoring and offers guidance on setting and weighing anchor in many different circumstances: under sail and under power, using one or two anchors and coping with changes in wind and tide while anchored.You probably won’t experience all the scenarios that Ivar so carefully describes, but you will certainly come across quite a few. Knowing what to do when a new situation comes up could be invaluable, increasing your confidence and leading to greater enjoyment and use of your boat. With over 500 diagrams, this slim volume is a perfect reminder of frequently used techniques and could be your get-out-of-jail card when a new circumstance arises.This new edition has an improved layout and the eBook’s functionality has been improved significantly.
