Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook

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Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

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Jul 27, 2011
5,180
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
Has anyone here read all or much of Calder's Cruising Handbook (2001)? I have not read widely cruising guides and handbooks, but I find Calder's book very informative. The detail in each discussion of the design and function of sailboats and their equipment and systems is outstanding. If you're going to buy a 35-45' boat as your first or trade up for one, and you don't know as much about boats (or boating) as you think you should, check out this book! I'd love to hear other opinions on its authoritativeness. Reading lately in the chapter on bilges and bilge pumps of modern yacht designs (of which the Bavaria 38 is one) prompted me to go looking for additional pumping capacity in case of a hull breach of even the smallest of dimensions!
 
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Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,360
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
I've thought that if I was limited to only two books to have on our boat, Calder's Cruising Handbook and his Boatowners manual would be those two. Don't forget that the CH also has plotting and many other items included. Lighter than Dutton's!
 
Sandy Stone

Sandy Stone

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Jun 2, 2007
404
Beneteau First 375 Slidell, LA
I own a copy of that book and find it very informative and readable. I understand that Nigel Calder lived in Mandeville, LA (about 15 miles away) for quite some time, sailed on Lake Pontchartrain, and worked offshore in the Gulf. That makes me feel at least a little kinship with him.
I will say (and he says as much in the book) that his desired features and ratios lean more towards a blue-water cruising boat than a coastal cruiser-racer. For instance, he strictly recommends against bridgedeck mounted mainsheet travelers. On the other hand, I have sailed on boats with cabintop mounted travelers and truly dislike them.
Although many things depend somewhat on personal preference, Calder is obviously a pretty smart guy with a ton of sailing experience, so you could do a lot worse than follow his advice. And he has an enjoyable writing style.
 
Coriolisbc

Coriolisbc

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Jun 29, 2011
142
Catalina 30 Mk II Gibsons
Nigel was here in Vancouver this year, sponsored by the Bluewater Cruising association.
I found him very knowlegable and informative.
 
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Ray Bowles

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Oct 6, 2008
857
Hunter, Island Packet, Catalina, San Juan 26,38,22,23 Kettle Falls, Washington
In 2000 when we started looking for a 32 to 40 boat to live and cruise on we had that book and it was a jewel for us. We had sailed for 2 years on a 26 foot trailer sailer and my wife had studied boats in the larger range very intensely during that time. We sold the house and left to find and buy a boat.
We did not use that book in the decision process to buy the boat but we used it alot as we set the boat up and to understand the systems.
Another book we also used and found very valuable was written by Steve and Linda Dashew. I think it was called "Practical Seamanship".
I think Nigal Calder also has a newer book on marine electrical systems that is very good. We had 3 large solar panels that really under performed and wanted to install a wind generator. That book answered all the questions and after we modified the system like he said we were trouble free. Books are good.
Ray
 
wgkenney

wgkenney

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Jun 29, 2010
84
Beneteau 473 Rock Hall, MD
I have his electical and maintence book and find it very useful.

His cruising book was published in 2001 and I don't see an update. Does the information still hold up in 2012?
 
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