Sell Up and Sail [Paperback]

Bill Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

The third edition of Sell Up and Sail includes new materials as well as full updates on all topics. A four page spread of beautiful color photographs has also been added.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Both authors are highly competent sailors, and this book contains a mine of information on a whole host of subjects....Lots of reading for day dreamers and an essential for anyone planning a long cruise. -- The Island, Spring 1999

It is packed with sound advice from taking the plunge and selling up, to every aspect of the cruising life. -- Sailing Inland and Offshore

About the Author

Bill and Laurel Cooper sold up and embarked on their wandering life more than 20 years ago. They are now cruising aboard their converted barge Hosanna. They are the authors of numerous books, including the newly released Watersteps trilogy detailing their voyages throughout Europe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sheridan House; 3rd Edition edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574090461
• ISBN-13: 978-1574090468
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,920,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars outdated and blinkered, July 31, 2008

By 

Peter Vize "dpdv" (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sell Up & Sail (Paperback)

Despite the title, there is very little practical advice in this book about actually selling up and sailing. It is largely paranoid ranting about European bureaucracy, racist opinions towards all who are not British (Italians are thieves, Albanians murderers, Greeks - "despite their failings"- not so bad, and Americans.... well...). In addition to little on planning the big move and living the dream, there is almost nothing on sailing itself. Compared to Hal Roth's writings these are very light indeed. The authors seem to know this and bring up Hal for the purpose of ridicule because he prefers to use sail rather than the engine more often than they. Victualing covers some unique options such as salted horse tongue and pickled pigs feet. I bring up these obscure examples as they are not minor variations in the type of subject coverage and unless this is what you are after, you will not learn too much on feeding yourself. Unless you want to sail on a barge or a one-off custom designed boat, once again you will learn nothing. Production boats are ridiculed and there is no serious coverage on the subject of boat selection.

As another reviewer noted, the coverage on navigation and electronics is close to zero, and on non-electronic navigation limited to mentioning one author is an ex-professional and the the other took a course on the subject.

Finally, the most annoying feature is the author's complete lack of concern for the environment and their active ranting against the 'environmental nuts' that don't let them dump their sewerage in harbors ("fish crap too" is the logic here), use halon based fire suppressant or use toxic bottom paints- there is even an allusion to eco nuts interfering with legitimate sailing pastimes such as carving whale teeth as a hobby. The book is not in front of me at this moment- but I believe my quotes to be accurate. I am unwilling to read it again to make sure.

The authors may have spent a long time living on the sea but purchasing this book will do little other than to help prolong their ability to do so- it will not help the reader prepare or enjoy their own adventures as- in my opinion- such a book should. Mine is for sale if somebody wants it...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The essential brief guide, July 27, 2003

By 

Katie (Kuwait) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sell Up and Sail (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Great, August 14, 2008

By 

D. J. Gordon (South Africa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sell Up & Sail (Paperback)

A bit disappointing. The Coopers are obviuosly much wealthier than the average cruiser and therefore don't answer the questions on budget cruising. Also I find the book a bit too witty which does'nt help the authors' credibility. Their ability as sailors is also questionable considering their choice of craft which resembles a oversized houseboat the types of which one finds on inland lakes and lagoons.
In spite of this there is a lot of information particularly of the Mediteranian which is useful.