Answering all of the important questions, this book attempts to allay any novice's fears - not just about how to sail an ocean for the first time - but also how to enjoy it. Here are insights into the social as well as nautical reality of fitting out, the comfort of having highly detailed plans, the norm of impulsive decisions, the inside story of life with a crew, coping with unexpected gales and calms, the live-or-die decision to keep watches or not and the ports of call from Spain to Tobago via the Atlantic islands and West Africa. Your First Atlantic Crossing combines practicalities with experience, and is now established as an essential read for ocean novices and dreamers. In colour for the first time, it is the book Les Weatheritt wishes he could have read before his own Atlantic crossing. 'I shall enjoy dipping into this dream maker, time and again...an excellent guide to the planning of your Atlantic crossing. Read all the other books but keep this one beside you' Cruising Association 'Offers down to earth advice based on hard-won experience' Yachting Monthly 'Covers everything the novice sailor needs to know for a voyage across the Atlantic' Practical Boat Owner