Cruising in Seraffyn [Paperback]

Lin Pardey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1992

The cruising tale is full of the sights and sounds, the fragrances and native customs of foreign lands, especially Central American and the Caribbean. It is a story of a leisurely sail through the Gulf of Cortez and on through Panama Canal to the Azores and England. Cruising in "Seraffyn" is also a carefully thought out guide to living aboard a small boat, with fun and economy as the guide principles. Four appendices provide data that is vital for anyone comtemplating long distance cruising.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...can...make [these special subjects]...comprehensible and absorbing to a landlubber..." -- New York Times Book Review

"Loaded with practical cruising advice, interesting anecdotes, and sometimes even excitement and suspense..." -- Library Journal

"This book should be required reading for young couples who are dying to cruise..." -- Herb Payson, Sail Magazine

An acute observer and fine writer. Their life on Seraffyn is at a level of simplicity and self-reliance that Thoreau would fine admirable. -- Philedelphia Enquirer

For more than three decades, the Pardeys have embodied the ultra-competent, self-sufficient ideal of blue water voyaging. --Cruising World, Hall of Fame 2000

From the Publisher

With over 52,000 copies sold this book is the classic sailing story of our times. Inspirational, enjoyable and full of adventure, it will make a perfect gift for anyone who loves the sea, sailing or exploring foriegn lands. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sheridan House; Rev Sub edition (January 25, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0924486368
• ISBN-13: 978-0924486364
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #482,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #53 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing > Excursion Guides

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two-View Cruising, February 11, 2000

By 

Waid Lackey - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cruising in Seraffyn (Paperback)

This is a perfect starter book for anyone dreaming of the cruising life. It is a sensible and realistic view of sailing the high seas from one of the world's most famous cruising couples. Along with vivid imagery of azure skies, deserted beaches, and emerald waters, Lin and Larry Pardey intertwine the realities and requirements of the cruising life. Their philosophy is simple: "Go small, go simple, go now!"

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful color photos make this a real delight, July 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Cruising in Seraffyn (25th Anniversary Edition) (Hardcover)

As other folks have written, this book is lovely to read and inspiring as can be. The new edition, in its hard cover is not just a simple reprint. It is almost a whole new book - the new introduction gives grand info for sailors today, the appendix puts it all where it is for those who want to sail off in 2002. But best of all are the l6 pages of full color photos - stuff to dream about, ideas to use on your boat. Really lovely. If you have the old edition, you'll still want this one. If you've never read the first book, this is the one for you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, December 30, 2000

By 

Richard A. Beddoe "La Soñadora" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cruising in Seraffyn (Paperback)

The Pardeys are well known in the cruising world. They are mostly known for their efficient and economical methods (they didn't even have an engine on Serrafyn). This book gives a great background on how they got started. The original edition of this book was written in the 70s. This new edition adds a section on current (1992) costs to proceed as they did.

The book is clear and well written. Throughout the entire book you will be asking yourself, "what am I waiting for? I could be cruising NOW!" While I would agree that it is certainly possible to do as they did, it takes more than the desire to save money. It takes the kind of character many of us don't have (including me). The character of *completely* relying on just the basics. For instance, I could not imagine...for me...having a sailboat without a motor. There is certainly something pure and noble about not having one, but I still feel it is a convenience (and safety feature) I would not want to do without.

Above all else is my favorite quote from the Pardeys. When asked how much longer they were going to continue sailing they replied, "As long as it's fun."

That's the sort of inspiration we need about all things in life.