You long to escape the daily grind, buy a boat and sail away. This book shows you how to turn your dreams into a reality. There is practical advice on everything from choosing a boat to crossing oceans. You'll be guided through each step of the preparation before casting off on your adventure of a lifetime. There's information on everything the would-be blue-water sailor needs to consider, including safety, communications, children, ocean passages and budgeting. Learn about routes and destinations around Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific and beyond to help you cruise the Mediterranean, cross the Atlantic or circumnavigate the world. Colour photographs and charts will inspire and inform in this essential guide for the 21st century blue water sailor. Fully updated for 2019 with a new section on visiting high and low latitudes. AUTHOR: Nicola Rodriguez dared to dream the impossible. She wanted to see the world with her family. She wanted to have her own adventure, a taste of paradise, and most importantly – freedom. Freedom from the demands of life, and time out to explore on every level. With careful planning (and the gift of yachting equipment), her dream came true, allowing her to travel, escape and explore the world by yacht for 8 years, 4 while raising her family. 145 colour photos, 12 maps