For those planning an ocean cruise, whether it's a day sail or circumnavigation, this book is the ideal primer that is better read in the early planning stages, even before the blue-water boat is purchased...Howard isn't afraid to give his opinion even about some products, and lots of advice is good before you start pouring money into that big hole that is called a boat...this book is sure to save the eventual cruiser time and money...Get this book, don't get scared by reading it, and get out there.