Nicolson (fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, UK), writing for those who may wish to cite the proper specifications for boat equipment for purchase, repair, or other purposes, provides tables of data on such topics as anchor proportions, pillar working loads, boom dimensions, breaking loads of rope, fuel consumption, and a host of other important design and equipment information. The data is organized into chapters on boat equipment, materials, fastenings, spars and riggings, engines and powering, design, and tables and formulae. Where the information is specific to any one country, it is given in reference to the UK. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)