This is the highly readable account of how a couple opted out of the rat race and took to a life at sea. Since the printing of the first edition, this book has become the bible on how to live a cruising lifestyle. It is concerned less with sailing technique and seamanship than it is with attitudes and practical matters; how to organize finances, select a cruising boat, pack the proper tools, and stow and preserve food. Also included is a special test designed by the authors to help boaters think about and question their reasons for taking up a cruising lifestyle. This fifth edition has been updated and revised to include far-reaching changes in navigation, electronics and communications as well as government regulations and other recent developments that may affect the long term cruising sailorÂ’s life afloat.