Cruising the East Coast with Tom Neale — Two-Disc DVD Set

For readers who dream of cruising with Soundings technical editor Tom Neale, BoatU.S. has released a two-disc DVD package titled “Cruising the East Coast with Tom Neale.” Published for $29.95, the set presents an engaging, practical view of coastal cruising from the perspective of a couple who have lived aboard and cruised extensively for decades.

Overview of the DVDs

The two discs follow Tom and his wife Mel aboard their Gulfstar 53 motorsailer, Chez Nous. The first disc traces their travels through Florida, offering a calm, firsthand look at cruising life in subtropical waters. The second disc continues north, chronicling passages up the coast and a voyage into Nantucket. Throughout both discs, the Neales combine narration, on-deck demonstrations, and candid onboard moments to share both the pleasures and the practicalities of extended coastal cruising.

What Viewers Can Expect

Viewers will find more than scenic footage. Tom and Mel present real-world seamanship, practical cruising advice, and candid reflections drawn from years living aboard and working on the water. The program is geared toward cruisers who want accessible, experienced-based guidance—whether preparing for an extended cruise, planning seasonal passages, or simply dreaming about life afloat.

The pacing emphasizes usable information delivered in a conversational, approachable style. Rather than scripted instruction alone, the DVDs highlight decisions and solutions that arise naturally during a cruise: route choices, seamanship practices, and how a cruising couple manages the everyday tasks that keep a boat comfortable and capable underway.

About Tom and Mel Neale

Tom Neale is the technical editor at Soundings and the author of a regular Sea Savvy column. His writing includes titles such as “All in the Same Boat” and the “Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guide, Upper Bay.” His long experience aboard Chez Nous, which he and Mel have called home since 1979, gives him practical perspective on navigation, maintenance, and long-term cruising life.

Mel Neale complements that experience with a deep background in cruising publication and education. She served as cruising editor for the Waterway Guide for 14 years and has taught navigation and related workshops, including sessions specifically designed for women cruisers. Together they bring both technical skill and lived experience to the DVDs.

Additional Resources and Ordering

The Neales also share their cruising insights in writing and online. They contribute to a “Cruising for You” blog on BoatU.S. and Tom continues to write his Sea Savvy column for Soundings. For those interested in ordering the DVD set, the publisher and the Neales have made purchase information available; look for the title “Cruising the East Coast with Tom Neale” and the reference to the Neales’ official site, www.tomneale.com, for ordering details and availability.

Why This Set Is Valuable

This two-disc set is valuable for both aspiring and experienced cruisers who appreciate learning from practitioners. The combination of lifestyle perspective, hands-on demonstrations, and narrative storytelling creates an inviting learning environment. Rather than abstract instruction, the DVDs present decisions and solutions in context—how a cruising couple plans, adapts, and enjoys life afloat while navigating coastal waterways.

Publication Note

This feature originally appeared in the Home Waters section of the February 2010 issue. The DVD set remains a practical visual companion for those planning coastal cruises or looking for an authentic sense of cruising life along the eastern seaboard.