Customer Reviews

Sell Up and Sail

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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...

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.

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.

I bought this book because it promised to have a lot of practical information gathered among many years of sailing experience.

It does have plenty of good knowledge, however, by the end of the book I was quite tired of the author's British "superiority" of knocking everything American. In fact I cannot name a single chapter that didn't include a disparaging remark about something American. It's unfortunate that the personal touch of the book is spoiled by such musings.

The navigation and electronics sections seem to be quite dated even though I have the latest (2005) edition. Apparently, not much was changed between the 2001 and 2005 editions.

The last thing to be aware of is that for the past 20 odd years the couple has "sailed" on a converted barge, and while this is still sailing, is outside of what most of us would consider the typical cruising sailboat.

With all of that in mind, the authors do convey a good amount of practical knowledge, especially in the first 6 chapters. Much of the information afterwards is anecdotal, common sense, or a bit out of date.

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!

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!.

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".

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.

One couple dared to get out of the rat race and embark on a new life at sea: SELL UP AND SAIL: PURSUE THE DREAM was written to reveal this journey, and is now in its fifth updated edition, revised to include changes in navigation, electronics, communications and all the other practical details the would-be world sailor needs to know. Chapters provide all the 'how to' details needed, from handling people and pets to boat maintenance and repairs. It's highly recommended for any who dream of a life on the water.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch