Offshore cruising for the next generation

The Handbook of Offshore Cruising, originally published in 1994 by Jim Howard, returns in a thoroughly revised second edition (April 2009, softcover, 468 pages). This updated edition, revised and modernized by Charles J. Doane, brings the classic trans-oceanic passagemaking manual into the 21st century with refreshed content and an emphasis on contemporary technology, equipment, and practical seamanship.

What this edition offers

The second edition retains the book’s original strengths—clear, experience-driven guidance for voyagers preparing for extended offshore passages—while updating the material so it reflects developments in navigation, communications, safety gear, and onboard systems. At 468 pages, the softcover volume remains a substantial resource, balancing broad strategy with hands-on detail for cruisers planning a trans-oceanic voyage.

Practical topics covered

The handbook addresses every stage of preparing for bluewater sailing. It guides readers through buying or building the right boat and choosing an appropriate size for their intended use. It discusses hull and rig design considerations, spars and standing rigging, deck layout and safety equipment, and the selection and maintenance of essential systems. Electronics, navigation, communications, security, and routine maintenance receive particular attention, reflecting the practical realities of long offshore passages.

Other areas include seamanship basics for offshore conditions, provisioning and voyage planning, crew considerations (including single-handed voyaging), and strategies for keeping systems reliable and safe during extended time at sea. The book aims to help readers make informed decisions about tradeoffs—comfort versus weight, speed versus seaworthiness, complexity versus redundancy—so a cruising boat can meet the owner’s real needs offshore.

About the authors

Jim Howard brings decades of real-world experience to the handbook. A seasoned cruiser who spent more than 25 years sailing various oceans and often single-handed, Howard writes from first-hand knowledge of long-distance passagemaking. He lives in Hawaii and is respected for practical, no-nonsense advice gained from years at sea.

Charles J. Doane, who revised this edition, is an editor at Sail magazine and a knowledgeable voice in modern sailing journalism. Doane’s updates focus on integrating newer technologies and contemporary best practices while preserving the original guide’s pragmatic tone.

Who should read this book

This edition is aimed at sailors planning true offshore voyages: those preparing to cross oceans, undertake extended coastal passages in remote regions, or live aboard for long periods. It is useful for prospective boat buyers, owners preparing a vessel for bluewater service, and cruisers who want to refine their understanding of systems, safety, and long-term maintenance. Single-handed sailors and small-crew teams will find specific, applicable advice for operating safely and efficiently with limited personnel.

Why it still matters

Offshore cruising demands solid preparation, practical knowledge, and an appreciation for how choices made before departure affect safety and comfort at sea. The Handbook of Offshore Cruising combines experienced judgment with a broad scope of topics—design, equipment, navigation, and human factors—making it a valuable reference for anyone serious about passagemaking. The updated edition helps bridge traditional seamanship and modern technology so readers can plan and execute offshore voyages with greater confidence.

Publisher: Sheridan House Publications (Sheridan House)

Price at release: $29.95 (softcover, April 2009).

This overview originally appeared in the Home Waters section of the July 2009 issue.