Sell Up and Sail: Taking the Ulysses Option

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Compendium of Cruising Stories and Advice
Review: Bill and Laurel Cooper's book "Sell Up and Sail" is a source of excellent information and advice if you don't mind a little preaching and British humor. For me, the opinions add to the human element of the book. What I found most useful is the amount of practical information and detail that the authors provide. Too many authors cover subjects in such a broad and abstract manner as to be nearly worthless. The Coopers, however, discuss the experiences they've had, the lessons they've learned, and how to avoid the problems they faced. You might not agree with how they solved some situations, but you'll come away more knowledgeable. The Coopers' sailing was done on some fairly large boats (a 55 foot steel ketch and a 60 ton sailing barge), however, they go out of their way to discuss how their experiences apply/translate to smaller boats. I've no plans to cruise in anything larger than 40+ feet, but I still found this book extremely educational as well as entertaining.

Note that this is a pretty densely written book with a good deal of detail. If you prefer an equally broad treatment, but with less detail and an easier read, I'd recommend Walt Gleckler's "All About Crusing".

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Compendium of Cruising Stories and Advice
Review: Bill and Laurel Cooper's book "Sell Up and Sail" is a source of excellent information and advice if you don't mind a little preaching and British humor. For me, the opinions add to the human element of the book. What I found most useful is the amount of practical information and detail that the authors provide. Too many authors cover subjects in such a broad and abstract manner as to be nearly worthless. The Coopers, however, discuss the experiences they've had, the lessons they've learned, and how to avoid the problems they faced. You might not agree with how they solved some situations, but you'll come away more knowledgeable. The Coopers' sailing was done on some fairly large boats (a 55 foot steel ketch and a 60 ton sailing barge), however, they go out of their way to discuss how their experiences apply/translate to smaller boats. I've no plans to cruise in anything larger than 40+ feet, but I still found this book extremely educational as well as entertaining.

Note that this is a pretty densely written book with a good deal of detail. If you prefer an equally broad treatment, but with less detail and an easier read, I'd recommend Walt Gleckler's "All About Crusing".

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Compendium of Cruising Stories and Advice
Review: Bill and Laurel Cooper's book "Sell Up and Sail" is a source of excellent information and advice if you don't mind a little preaching and British humor. For me, the opinions add to the human element of the book. What I found most useful is the amount of practical information and detail that the authors provide. Too many authors cover subjects in such a broad and abstract manner as to be nearly worthless. The Coopers, however, discuss the experiences they've had, the lessons they've learned, and how to avoid the problems they faced. You might not agree with how they solved some situations, but you'll come away more knowledgeable. The Coopers' sailing was done on some fairly large boats (a 55 foot steel ketch and a 60 ton sailing barge), however, they go out of their way to discuss how their experiences apply/translate to smaller boats. I've no plans to cruise in anything larger than 40+ feet, but I still found this book extremely educational as well as entertaining.

Note that this is a pretty densely written book with a good deal of detail. If you prefer an equally broad treatment, but with less detail and an easier read, I'd recommend Walt Gleckler's "All About Crusing".

Rating:
Summary: A must for all who want to Sell up and Sail
Review: I bought this book when it first came out,Having taken up sailing 15yrs ago,and lived with a workaholic for 20yrs,I thought Yes just the book I need. It was brilliant reading,I could'nt put it down. My workaholic started to read it but yes you've guessed, did'nt finish it. What a pity!.

Rating:
Summary: Must read for those planning to sell up.
Review: I don't know what the reviewer from Dover, NH read, but it wasn't this book. The Coopers go into great detail about what is involved in becoming a yachtie. They did it in 1976 on a 55' steel ketch, which was probably an easier time to do it, with much less regulation. Yes, it does have a UK bias (they are English after all). However, the latest edition (4th edition, 2000) is full of up-to-date, sensible and well thought out ideas and what a person needs to think about if planning this type of alternative lifestyle. Definitely a must read for the wanna-be yachtie!

Rating:
Summary: The essential brief guide
Review: My husband and I've had a yacht for a few years now, but so far have only cruised up and down the Arabian Gulf. We intend to sell up and sail ourselves, and this book is a superb brief and humorous guide to doing it, with lots of hints; from how to persuade your partner to join you, what to store in your fridge, and how to deal with people, pets and pests. Also, the more serious elements such as dealing with entering strange lands. Plus it's an enjoyable read. We both laughed and enjoyed the discreet cynicism and escapism. Soul Mates?

We liked that both husband and wife contributed chapters about various subjects relevant to each's role. (You get to choose yours - do you want the engine room or the galley?) Lots of references were included, as well as useful agencies for the long-distance cruiser. We'll be making the space to squeeze this book aboard when we go.

Rating:
Summary: There are better Books out there
Review: This book has little to do with sailing and even less to do with selling anything. The author is highly opinionated and some times condescending toward people with different ideas, which is very distracting. The book is slanted towards the Mediterranean and Europe and is more an account on their experience from their travels. Which I might add is on a 60' steel barge, which was converted to a motor sailor. Some useful knowledge was gained by reading this book but there are far better books out there.