Successful cruising, according to the Pardeys, comes from a combination of the right people on board the right boat, and proper preparation, gear maintenance, and seamanship. A logical sequel to their The Self Sufficient Sailor, here are all the considerations for success analyzed by two genuine and very human experts.
Thirty-three chapters are grouped under general topics such as: Preparing to Go; Maintenance at Sea; Safety Aloft; At Anchor; Choosing Gear; Care of Self and Crew; Seamanship.

The Pardeys analyze disasters such as What happened at Cabo San Lucas, and what it means to all cruising sailors. They even discuss finances and how to pay your way as you voyage. In short, here is what every cruising sailor should know before setting sail.

The Pardeys now have a base in New Zealand from which they sail the world in Taleisin, which they built themselves in California.

The Pardeys make another important point: Marine manufacturers dont usually have a large enough market to enable them to test their products under extreme conditions, but the buyer stands a better than fifty-fifty chance of getting that opportunity. Obviously, some gear passes the test and some doesnt. Over the years the Pardeys have become a sort of one-couple consumers reporting service, and the most valuable portions of this book discuss boats, systems, and equipment that were given the ultimate test and how they fared. Photographs add immensely to this section.