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If you’re dreaming of distant shores, these ten books will help accelerate your path toward comfortable, confident, safe global cruising
What books are truly essential to get you started in the cruising life, and perhaps then become essential aboard a cruising boat? Those dog-eared, salt-stained volumes you reach for again and again?
Around here, we’re big believers that the best holiday gifts aren’t things at all, but experiences and education. Each of the books on this list delivers exactly that: skills, stories, and insights that make you a more capable, confident, inspired cruiser.
Sure, most marinas and yacht clubs have a take-one-leave-one shelf where you can refresh your night-watch paperback stash. But true reference books and incredible stories? Those are scarce for a reason. The good ones live permanently aboard because we use them constantly. We remind our students and clients all the time: once you sail beyond the breakwater, your ability to solve problems comes down to two things: what’s in your brain and what’s on your boat. Fill both wisely, and self-sufficiency becomes second nature.
Whether you’re dreaming your way toward your first big passage or already living aboard and refining your offshore library before heading for distant horizons, this curated list has something for you, or for the cruiser you’re gifting. We’ve distilled our favorites down to the 10 most essential books, plus a few irresistible bonus picks we just couldn’t leave out.
The gold standard for preparing to live and sail offshore. Leonard breaks down everything from budgeting and boat systems to seamanship and mindset, making this the single best “big-picture” book for anyone planning bluewater cruising. Slightly outdated now but nevertheless important, Beth Leonard's 2006 hardcover is a gold mine of hard-earned advice for serious cruisers. This comprehensive book includes extensive detail and real-world scenario analysis to provide you with the information you need to start planning a refit, learn safe seamanship, even hone your watch schedule. She has compiled a tremendous amount of maritime research here, the value of which far outweighs the handful of chapters on electronics and other obsolete technologies.
The gold standard for preparing to live and sail offshore. Leonard breaks down everything from budgeting and boat systems to seamanship and mindset, making this the single best “big-picture” book for anyone planning bluewater cruising. Slightly outdated now but nevertheless important, Beth Leonard's 2006 hardcover is a gold mine of hard-earned advice for serious cruisers. This comprehensive book includes extensive detail and real-world scenario analysis to provide you with the information you need to start planning a refit, learn safe seamanship, even hone your watch schedule. She has compiled a tremendous amount of maritime research here, the value of which far outweighs the handful of chapters on electronics and other obsolete technologies.
If you own a cruising boat, this is your bible. Calder’s clear explanations demystify electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems so you can troubleshoot with confidence when things inevitably go sideways—especially offshore, where help is far away. Nigel Calder's all-in-one maintenance and repair manual is truly the #1 book that all cruiser's eventually come to rely on. There is no substitute for this dense and informative text. Julie actually used it as her textbook during her time in marine electrical trade school! If you are new to learning how electricity works, this will seem like an unapproachably complex book, but don't be discouraged. You will work up to it and ultimately find it to be your best friend when the boat gremlins strike.
If you own a cruising boat, this is your bible. Calder’s clear explanations demystify electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems so you can troubleshoot with confidence when things inevitably go sideways—especially offshore, where help is far away. Nigel Calder's all-in-one maintenance and repair manual is truly the #1 book that all cruiser's eventually come to rely on. There is no substitute for this dense and informative text. Julie actually used it as her textbook during her time in marine electrical trade school! If you are new to learning how electricity works, this will seem like an unapproachably complex book, but don't be discouraged. You will work up to it and ultimately find it to be your best friend when the boat gremlins strike.
Dry? Yes. Optional? Never. This is the rulebook for how vessels behave at sea, and knowing it cold keeps you safe and legally compliant. Every cruising boat needs a copy, and every skipper should study it long before night watches begin. An affordable and easy book to locate, available at your local boat store or online, a copy of the COLREGS is legally required to be present aboard vessels greater than 40' in length. Legalities aside, this reference book will help all mariners sail safer. It serves as a reference for day shapes and night lights, right of way determinations, pretty much everything you need to be aware of when operating a vessel in US inland or international waters.
Dry? Yes. Optional? Never. This is the rulebook for how vessels behave at sea, and knowing it cold keeps you safe and legally compliant. Every cruising boat needs a copy, and every skipper should study it long before night watches begin. An affordable and easy book to locate, available at your local boat store or online, a copy of the COLREGS is legally required to be present aboard vessels greater than 40' in length. Legalities aside, this reference book will help all mariners sail safer. It serves as a reference for day shapes and night lights, right of way determinations, pretty much everything you need to be aware of when operating a vessel in US inland or international waters.
A timeless, encyclopedic reference covering seamanship, boat handling, navigation, safety, and more. When you need a clear answer to a classic question—whether anchoring technique or light signals—Chapman’s has it. If you could take all of the critical lessons and learning in seamanship, communications, weather, boat handling, navigation, and boat maintenance and compile them into a single book that is understandable for everyone, this would be it. Anyone new to boating, sailing, or cruising, would do well to keep a copy of this reference book onboard. Before you depart, or potentially even before you buy your boat, you'll find the chapters to be approachable and educational.
A timeless, encyclopedic reference covering seamanship, boat handling, navigation, safety, and more. When you need a clear answer to a classic question—whether anchoring technique or light signals—Chapman’s has it. If you could take all of the critical lessons and learning in seamanship, communications, weather, boat handling, navigation, and boat maintenance and compile them into a single book that is understandable for everyone, this would be it. Anyone new to boating, sailing, or cruising, would do well to keep a copy of this reference book onboard. Before you depart, or potentially even before you buy your boat, you'll find the chapters to be approachable and educational.
Part cookbook, part seamanship manual, part offshore-wisdom treasure trove. Amanda blends practical provisioning, smart storage, and sea-tested cooking strategies that make eating well underway entirely achievable. We have a signed copy of this book by Amanda Swan (Neal) onboard and it is so loved we've nearly worn out the binding! Before moving aboard I (Julie) worked through many of her recipes and made notes in the margins about which we loved, which we tweaked, and how to make further substitutions for when there isn't much left for ingredients onboard! Everything you need to know about provisioning, storing food, cooking, and getting creative is here in this book. In truth, it is the ONLY boating cookbook we own and actually use.
Part cookbook, part seamanship manual, part offshore-wisdom treasure trove. Amanda blends practical provisioning, smart storage, and sea-tested cooking strategies that make eating well underway entirely achievable. We have a signed copy of this book by Amanda Swan (Neal) onboard and it is so loved we've nearly worn out the binding! Before moving aboard I (Julie) worked through many of her recipes and made notes in the margins about which we loved, which we tweaked, and how to make further substitutions for when there isn't much left for ingredients onboard! Everything you need to know about provisioning, storing food, cooking, and getting creative is here in this book. In truth, it is the ONLY boating cookbook we own and actually use.
The global route-planning playbook. Cornell lays out seasonal patterns, prevailing winds, currents, and recommended passages for nearly every ocean corridor on earth. Essential for dreaming, planning, and executing safe ocean crossings. A classic Jimmy Cornell book that is updated frequently and will serve as the basis of your route planning, we recommend picking up a copy before you even move aboard so you can start getting familiar with its contents. This is the book you'll rely on the most when planning your dream cruising itinerary. Try to get the most updated version as global weather patterns are more dynamic now than in previous decades and centuries.
The global route-planning playbook. Cornell lays out seasonal patterns, prevailing winds, currents, and recommended passages for nearly every ocean corridor on earth. Essential for dreaming, planning, and executing safe ocean crossings. A classic Jimmy Cornell book that is updated frequently and will serve as the basis of your route planning, we recommend picking up a copy before you even move aboard so you can start getting familiar with its contents. This is the book you'll rely on the most when planning your dream cruising itinerary. Try to get the most updated version as global weather patterns are more dynamic now than in previous decades and centuries.
Mahina Tiare: Pacific Passages is one of those rare books that blends adventure, education, and heart into a single, compelling narrative. Barbara Marrett and John Neal document their voyages with a level of honesty and clarity that makes readers feel both the beauty and the reality of bluewater sailing. Their stories illuminate the decision-making, preparation, seamanship, and partnership required for successful offshore cruising, while also capturing the awe and joy that keep us all dreaming of the next horizon. It’s equally inspiring for aspiring cruisers and deeply reassuring for those already preparing for passagemaking, reminding you that with skill, intention, and thoughtful planning, a life at sea is not only possible, but profoundly rewarding.
Mahina Tiare: Pacific Passages is one of those rare books that blends adventure, education, and heart into a single, compelling narrative. Barbara Marrett and John Neal document their voyages with a level of honesty and clarity that makes readers feel both the beauty and the reality of bluewater sailing. Their stories illuminate the decision-making, preparation, seamanship, and partnership required for successful offshore cruising, while also capturing the awe and joy that keep us all dreaming of the next horizon. It’s equally inspiring for aspiring cruisers and deeply reassuring for those already preparing for passagemaking, reminding you that with skill, intention, and thoughtful planning, a life at sea is not only possible, but profoundly rewarding.
A masterclass in understanding, maintaining, and troubleshooting your rig. Toss’s instruction brings traditional seamanship into the modern era and gives cruisers the confidence to care for the most critical system on the boat. This book still earns a place on every cruiser’s bookshelf because it transforms rigging from something intimidating into something completely approachable. Toss had a rare gift for explaining not just how to care for your rig, but why it matters and how a little knowledge can prevent major failures offshore. The book blends traditional seamanship with modern materials and methods, giving cruisers the confidence to inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot the most vital system on the boat. Whether you’re splicing line, tuning your rig, or diagnosing a mysterious creak at sea, this is the reference that empowers you to understand and trust the structure that carries you across oceans.
A masterclass in understanding, maintaining, and troubleshooting your rig. Toss’s instruction brings traditional seamanship into the modern era and gives cruisers the confidence to care for the most critical system on the boat. This book still earns a place on every cruiser’s bookshelf because it transforms rigging from something intimidating into something completely approachable. Toss had a rare gift for explaining not just how to care for your rig, but why it matters and how a little knowledge can prevent major failures offshore. The book blends traditional seamanship with modern materials and methods, giving cruisers the confidence to inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot the most vital system on the boat. Whether you’re splicing line, tuning your rig, or diagnosing a mysterious creak at sea, this is the reference that empowers you to understand and trust the structure that carries you across oceans.
Far more than a symbol key—this is the decoder ring for everything printed on NOAA and other hydrographic charts. Indispensable for learning, refreshing, or teaching traditional navigation with clarity and accuracy. Even with electronic charts taking over the globe, we still advocate for and actively use ours. It's the best cheat sheet you can have as you zoom in and out on your MFD!
Far more than a symbol key—this is the decoder ring for everything printed on NOAA and other hydrographic charts. Indispensable for learning, refreshing, or teaching traditional navigation with clarity and accuracy. Even with electronic charts taking over the globe, we still advocate for and actively use ours. It's the best cheat sheet you can have as you zoom in and out on your MFD!
A thoughtful, empowering guide for women considering life afloat. Cantrell tackles relationships, roles, fears, and confidence-building head-on, offering perspective that resonates with both new and experienced cruisers. Changing Course is a powerful, grounded guide for women who are considering a life afloat, whether as a partner, a skipper, or a soon-to-be cruiser charting her own path. Cantrell tackles the emotional, relational, and practical sides of cruising with refreshing honesty, addressing the real questions women often carry but don’t always voice. From confidence and competence to communication, safety, and shared decision-making, she offers tools that make the transition to life at sea feel not just possible, but empowering. We recommend it because it fills a gap in the cruising world: a thoughtful, supportive resource that helps women step aboard with clarity, agency, and excitement for what lies ahead.
A thoughtful, empowering guide for women considering life afloat. Cantrell tackles relationships, roles, fears, and confidence-building head-on, offering perspective that resonates with both new and experienced cruisers. Changing Course is a powerful, grounded guide for women who are considering a life afloat, whether as a partner, a skipper, or a soon-to-be cruiser charting her own path. Cantrell tackles the emotional, relational, and practical sides of cruising with refreshing honesty, addressing the real questions women often carry but don’t always voice. From confidence and competence to communication, safety, and shared decision-making, she offers tools that make the transition to life at sea feel not just possible, but empowering. We recommend it because it fills a gap in the cruising world: a thoughtful, supportive resource that helps women step aboard with clarity, agency, and excitement for what lies ahead.
If you are trying to pick the perfect books for someone who already has them all, check out our full reading list for more ideas. We've compiled a free recommended books and learning list to focus your efforts. It's broken down by loose category and includes everything from learning to sail, boat maintenance, and cruising guides to some of our favorite classic voyage reads. Download it in our Offshore Cruising Library
If you are trying to pick the perfect books for someone who already has them all, check out our full reading list for more ideas. We've compiled a free recommended books and learning list to focus your efforts. It's broken down by loose category and includes everything from learning to sail, boat maintenance, and cruising guides to some of our favorite classic voyage reads. Download it in our Offshore Cruising Library
Want to elevate your learning by putting all that reading into practice?
Want to elevate your learning by putting all that reading into practice?
Join us for an ocean sail training expedition where you'll gain real-world liveaboard cruising experience and skills. Space is limited - apply early.
Join us for an ocean sail training expedition where you'll gain real-world liveaboard cruising experience and skills. Space is limited - apply early.
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