Written by an experienced square rig seaman, who has sailed in various ranks and a wide variety of vessels, this book provides for those vessels that employ modern technology rather than purely traditional design and materials. It is aimed at those who serve, or wish to serve, as a master, mate or boatswain in a square-rigger or large fore-and-aft schooner.

Ship construction and stability are covered in depth. The author points out that unlike a motor ship the greatest force heeling a sailing vessel is squall wind in the sails and rigging. When this is greater than the righting lever the vessel will experience knock down. For a sailing ship deck openings and the range of stability are critical. A new section on passage planning demonstrates the value of flexible destinations whose choice will depend upon weather and tides.

Increasingly all sail training organisations are having to provide a safe working environment whilst offering a challenging experience at sea. Good seamanship and effective management of the trainees is part of the solution and officers will find much useful advice to strengthen their resolve when seeking to control unsafe practices. The effective use of safety harnesses and the provision of practical safety wires is covered in this new issue based on the extensive study of sailing ship crew injuries undertaken by the author.

Very useful advice is contained in the section on the collision regulations as they apply to sailing ships. When is a sailing ship not under command? What to do in traffic separation schemes and what action to take when faced with other sailing ships by day and night makes this a particularly useful upgraded chapter.