Review
JUST CRUISING stands testament to the cruising spirit's immortality. The Copeland's story is not unique; rather, it serves as inspiration that the cruising life lies within reach of anyone determined enough. The Copelands, tired of the rat race, sold out, bought a moderate-sized production boat, and set out on a six-year circumnavigation with their three children. With a straightforward approach that includes numerous helpful details and lively anecdotes, Copeland reveals both the joys and trials of modern voyaging with a family when one gets up the guts to stop saying one can't, like the Nike ad says "Just do it." --
Steve Callahan, Associate Editor 'Cruising World' Magazine, author of bestselling 'Adrift'Sailor or not you will enjoy this book. As one who has traveled widely, I found its descriptions of different cultures, scenery, nature and family travel fascinating. It opens new worlds of adventure and knowledge as you travel with a family who enjoys life to the full. Its anecdotes range from hilarity to suspense - they are always entertaining and most informative.
The author writes with clarity and flair, and is persuasive. So much so that the reader is tempted to abandon all and take off - as they Copelands did. Whether you sail or not, they show that you can make your dreams come true. -- Lewis Perinbam, World Development Executive, Former President Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), A Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Service Overseas (CUSO)
Throw off the dock lines and sail away. How often we've wished it, thought about it, dreamed it. The Copeland family, however did it. What started out as a two-year respite from the daily rat race slowly grew into a six-year circumnavigation for this family of five from Vancouver, BC.
This vastly entertaining account never gets bogged down in too many details, never gets too focused on the traumas and dangers of cruising, while still giving the reader the basics of what it took to prepare for and to undertake the extended journey. For anyone yearning to escape into the cruising lifestyle, JUST CRUISING shows how you can take three small children and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. It's great inspiration for all of us who are too afraid to do it.
The second half of the circumnavigation, from Australia back to Vancouver, BC, will be told in STILL CRUISING. -- Jeffrey D. Briggs, 48 degrees North Magazine
About the Author
Raised in England, Liza Copeland studied Social Work at Trinity College, Dublin University and after emigrating to Canada gained a Masters Degree and Teaching Certificate at the University of British Columbia. Her working career includes vocational rehabilitation, social work and educational psychology, mostly in hospital settings. She now has a career as an author and speaker for a wide variety of organizations in both boating and travel.
Liza grew up racing sailboats, and met Andy in the Sunfish World Championships in Venezuela. After running charter yachts in the Caribbean they were married aboard the famous yacht 'Ticonderoga', then moved to live in Vancouver. With many deliveries, a circumnavigation, cruising their home waters of the Pacific Northwest and a recent trip around North and Central America, they have cruised over 85,000 miles together.
