(Not So) Old Men and the Sea: A Toe in the Cruising Waters

Not So) Old Men and the Sea covers portions of six years of the author's life. This was a time when he, his wife and seadog Bingo experienced first-hand lessons as they prepared for and then negotiated, the legendary Great Circle of Eastern, Canadian, Midwestern and Southern waters aboard their 38' cruiser, The Family Fjord. In all, they transited over 100 locks and 6000 nautical miles.

Not So) Old Men is a blueprint for the novice cruiser who dreams of taking extended coastal or river voyages "on his own bottom." It starts with the glories of cruising and rapidly gets specific about boat, power and options. There is an overriding focus on safety. (Not So) Old Men and the Sea presents a step by step to determine how, with what equipment, and where you will cruise. Author Pete Prestegaard thoughtfully includes money-saving tips.

After examining steps leading to the launch of a newly acquired craft, including example names which struck his fancy, the author discusses "crew," various events which could occur, river running, the impact of weather, and boat care. The book wraps up with entertaining letters home, and illustrative photos taken along the way. Log entries, summaries of desirable cruiser characteristics, a planned itinerary, checklists, perspectives from the first mate, and references for further research wrap up this valuable work.