Book of the Week- Coastal Turmoil, by Ken Endean
by Sail-World Cruising on 6 Nov 2010

Coastal Turmoil SW
Most boating is done in coastal waters, yet as many experienced yachties agree, the safest place in the ocean is in the middle, and being close to land can present much greater dangers than sailing in remote waters.
While this may seem counter-intuitive, the reasons are clear. Near to the coast, sea conditions are more complex: winds and currents change in strength and direction, often unpredictably, waves are distorted by shallows, and even in fine weather there are tidal races, tricky headlands and other areas of rough water that can increase the risks of human error, gear failure and seasickness.
Many of the recommended techniques used in offshore voyaging - such as lying to a sea anchor or trailing warps - are not suitable when close to land.
In this highly practical guide, filled with helpful tips, real-time techniques and sound advice borne of years of first hand experience, Ken Endean explains the phenomena of rough water and shows how a good understanding of coastal sea conditions and careful passage planning should enable boaters to avoid the roughest areas, seek shelter underway and thereby reduce passage times.
He includes advice on: coastal winds and waves, shallow water and shoaling, swells and currents, tides and currents in conflict, estuary effects, bars and banks, when to take the long way, how to read the surface, getting into harbour safely, making the most of smooth water, and much more.
It's 154 pages long and costs $39.95 at www.boatbooks-aust.com.au!Boat_Books_Australia.
If you'd rather browse in person, here are the details:
Boat Books Sydney - Head Office
31 Albany Street
Crows Nest NSW 2065
Phone: (02) 9439 1133
Fax: (02) 9439 8517
boatbooks@boatbooks-aust.com.au
Store Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 4:00pm
Boat Books Brisbane
109 Albert Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: (07) 3229 6427
Fax: (07) 3221 9391
brisbane@boatbooks-aust.com.au
Store Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 2:00pm
Boat Books Melbourne
214 St Kilda Road
St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 9525 3444
Fax: (03) 9525 3355
melbourne@boatbooks-aust.com.au
Store Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 1:00p
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