Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere Description:

Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere review:
4 stars (Great Information but Needing a 2nd Edition) - The edition of the book that I have was published in 1999. It was a very helpful book to guide me in my selection of my first sailboat. The general principles that John Vigor advocates will be valid indefinately. I found his "In Comparison" ratings and his "Known Weaknesses" sections valuable. His ratings of comparative seaworthiness, speed, and comfort help anyone selecting a small cruising sailboat. John has made a great contribution with this book. That being said, it would be nice to get a new edition. In particular, it would be valuable to get John's views on other potential bluewater sailboats easily cruised and handled by two people. What are his views on other boats in 28' to 32' size? I suggest the 1999 upper price limit of $50K should be increased. How about a limit of $100K? John's opinions on selected other potential boats from Beneteau, C&C, Catalina, Ericson, Island Packet, and Tartan would make it worth while to buy a new edition.
3 stars (Screen the Reviewers, Please......) - I've read Vigor's book, I've bought an Albin Vega within the past 3 weeks, I'm no circumnavigator (and never will be), but now have my boat of choice for the duration. I at least know if I do want to go offshore, my boat, properly prepared, can do it. The rater that speaks of Vigor's head being 'up his stern' should lighten up or, at least, give some reasoning for his unsubstantiated comments.Obviously, if your heading offshore you probably won't just read Vigor's book (or choose a Cal 20 or Catalina 27) but the book sure narrows the choices to make. And, of course, Vigor's choices aren't the only ones. As many raters said, 'a good starting point' and, contrary to captain 'up his stern' and his innuendo's, there's not a boat in Vigor's 20 choices that are inherently 'bad'.Sorry to Capt. A. Spears and his review which was, nevertheless, helpful; Tanya A. sailed around the world in a Contessa 26 not a Bayfield 25. I only know that 'cause I read her book and once lusted after Contessa 26/Bayfield 25 vessels; only to choose, in my opinion, an even better boat with my 'new' Albin Vega 27.I believe Vigor's book, for those contemplating serious, offshore voyages, should only be the beginning of the research; but a great place to start.
5 stars (Excellent for a beginner) - I am new to sailing but this book is accessible enough for a beginner to start narrowing choices. The book's organization allowed me to quickly skim through a chapter and glean enough to know if that boat might be one that would be a candidate for my needs, interest, and budget; it has the right blend of technical information and personal anecdote. Using this format Vigor could easily expand to include many more boats and still have a useful reference.