After 50,000 Miles

by Hal Roth

The author shares experiences and expertise acquired during eleven years spent sailing across the world's oceans with his wife on their thirty-five-foot yacht

Genres: Nonfiction, Nautical, Adventure

329 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have shelved this book as a how-to guide book rather than travel because how-to is what it is. This book is crammed with solid practical information on preparing the small boat (and the crew) for off shore sailing.

In the over 25 five years we sailed Magic Carpet I found the book consistently helpful. Not every instruction is applicable in every situation but all in all it is excellent. I found his info on anchors particularly helpful. We found that most boats are perilously under equipped. They have 2 anchors, too little chain. Most anchoring in our area uses 2 anchors, bow and stern. So what happens when one anchor is fouled or lost? You go home.
We always had at least four ready to go.

Many boat owners often say they don't do any blue water sailing, so they don't have to worry about all these details. I don't know about that. Ninety percent of our sailing was done in southern California coastal waters. Over the years in countless 25 miles crossings to Catalina and longer ones to other Channel Islands I'd say we experienced quite a bit of off-shore 'blue water' and a number of gales. Knowing our little boat was seaworthy and prepared and that we had the skills to deal with most situations eased our minds a lot.

[James Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was inspired and learned from this book.. Since reading it years ago I have done a bit of crusing, mostly in the Pacific Northwest protected water. Because my main objective has never been blue water crusing across vast ocean, not every thing in the book applies to me, but it is fun to read about it. One of his salient points is that he clearly tells you how difficult and frustrating this (rather antiquainted) method of travel can be. Some of it is the most fun ever, but certainly not all of crusing long distances is fun and games. I recommend it.