Part 1 covers celestial navigation - fixing your position by sextant. This is an interesting and elegant method of knowing where you are - and may save your life some day. Even in this electronic age, it is a skill every skipper should possess.

Part 2 looks at the world's weather systems and how to use them to your advantage. Hurricanes and typhoons are analysed - with the emphasis on avoiding them! But if a trade wind squall strikes or an approaching hurricane looks like slipping by your strategic defences, Cunliffe is on hand with remedial advice.

Part 3 explains what you actually do out at sea. It covers gathering information, making plans, what to take, how to run watch systems, and the delight of making long passages.