By Jane and John Gibb

Latitudes & Attitudes, July 2004:

“There are plenty of guides to show you where to sail in the Caribbean, as well as guides to harbors, islands and even countries. This book takes another approach. This is a look at HOW to cruise!”

Atlantic Boating News, March/April 2004:

“‘The Caribbean taunts North American sailors.’ The first sentence of John Kretschmer's introduction never rang more true than it does for me right now, as I look out at 95cm of snow in storm-bound Halifax. For anyone in our part of the world planning a long cruise, the islands of the West Indies are the logical and emotional first goal.

“There have been a lot of different guides to the Caribbean in the past 30 or so years. When I cruised the area, way back in the last century, Don Street's guide was on every chart table. This new book by Jane and John Gibb is not a cruising guide, but rather a handbook of what to do and not do. The Gibbs have spent over 10 years cruising down south and their advice is based on direct experience, both good and bad.

"The first part of Caribbean Cruising gives an overview of the islands and some suggestions as to the best boats and equipment. This is interesting, but has been covered in detail many times in other publications. Where the book really comes into its own is in the practical advice for day-to-day living: customs regulations, food, clothing, etiquette, etc. Actually, etiquette is more important than ever, and I don't mean which flag to fly when (although it might be nice if more people knew something about that subject). With the ever-growing number of yachts in the Islands, the original well of goodwill has been pumped dry. The Gibbs give practical advice regarding behavior, dress, and even ‘what not to be overheard saying.’

“In the 70s, for most of the small boats cruising the islands (mine included), communication meant mailing the occasional post card and perhaps sending a telegram to announce safe arrival. Today, people expect to be able to keep in touch and the book outlines the many options. SSB and Ham radio still play a role, but there's E-mail using Pocketmail and ‘Anchorage VHF nets’ where cruisers can get information on everything from local weather and events to how to find a refrigeration mechanic. The health advice offered is very down to earth and is something many people overlook when preparing for this type of cruise. The bit about vampire bats certainly got my attention.

“The word practical keeps coming to mind in describing this book. Unlike similar cruising guides, which are often puffed up with thinly disguised promotional information, this book is almost entirely made up of very useful details based on solid experience. It may not be the first book to read if you're thinking of a get-away cruise to the Islands, but it should certainly be one you study carefully before you set sail. Gazing at pictures of idyllic palm-fringed anchorages while dreaming of the warm trades blowing in your hair is all well and good, but a successful cruise requires preparation and determination. Take a copy of Caribbean Cruising with you and I'm sure it will be dog-eared by the time you return.”

Caribbean Compass, January 2004:

“First published in the United Kingdom with the British boater in mind. This new edition published by the US nautical book specialist Sheridan House features a special introduction by American yachting writer John Kretchmer. The chapter on ‘Getting There’ has also been rewritten by the authors to apply to the North American market.

“This is not a pilot book, but a rich compendium of useful information for the long-term cruiser (the word ‘holiday’ in the title could be misleading to Yanks, for whom a holiday is Christmas or Easter), knowledge collected by the authors during a decade spent actively sailing the Caribbean and making passages to and from the East Coast of the US. Astute observers as well as experienced sailors, the authors tackle subjects ranging from the technical and mechanical to the social and cultural. Caribbean Cruising is like an informative cockpit conversation with an experienced old hand, and will be especially useful to the first-time Caribbean cruiser.”

Booklist, September 2003:

“Eschew the cruise liner and sail a boat yourself; here’s how, in amazingly complete detail and with absolutely fetching illustrations.”

Sailing & Yachting (SA), February 2003:

“The RYA stamp on any sailing publication is usually a guarantee of excellence. This one does not disappoint. Author Jane Gibb has sailed the area with her husband for ten years, and she presents the knowledge accumulated in a down to earth manner that delights as it informs. No matter if you plan to cruise to the Caribbean or fly there and charter a yacht, you’ll find all the information you are likely to need, from choosing the right boat, equipment, clothes and stores, to arranging finances and communications along the way. You will learn how to stay healthy, where to obtain weather forecasts, and where best to go cruising in these fabulous waters.”