An illustrated treasury of expert tips on maintenance, navigation and seamanship from the internationally renowned Tom Cunliffe. The bosun's world is a colourful mix of time-honoured techniques, living history and a knowledge of materials beyond the run of common experience. It's the bosun's bag of tools, and the skills that go with them, that forms the core of traditional seafaring. This book is a treasure trove of Tom Cunliffe's priceless practical advice that'll be invaluable to sailors of traditional craft and delight those who love the character, grace and history of these unique boats. Illustrated with Tom's popular salty yarns and exquisite paintings by acclaimed marine artist Martyn Mackrill, this book brings together a lifetime's worth of hands-on knowledge with sections covering sails, rigging and working the ship. From avoiding seized bolts and stowing the main, to drying out and the wonders of beeswax, this collection is packed full of age-old seafaring wisdom. Find out how a real vessel works, how to expand your sailing ability and how you can all live better for it. Dip into this bag now. Whatever you're sailing, you will find something to enrich your passion. “This is a well-written and thoroughly engaging guide, perfect for owners of traditional and more modern boats.” ― Practical Boat Owner “Bosun's Bag is a delight. It is a perfect mix of Tom Cunliffe's lifetime experience in traditional, wooden boats recorded in prose allied to Martyn Mackrill's assured, exquisitely drawn and painted illustrations.” ― Royal Cruising Club “Eloquent and opinionated” ― Yachting Monthly “What especially marks Tom out from the herd is the ability to tell a good tale backed by an encyclopaedic maritime knowledge... Tom's latest book will surely appeal to trad vessel folk everywhere. It's a genuinely worthwhile 'dip-into'” ― Old Gaffers Association “Anyone who owns anything with a gaff on it will need a copy of this book” ― The Marine Quarterly “This is simply a beautiful book, filled with stories of sailing, tidy bits of priceless knowledge, and the joy of a life at sea.” ― SAIL (US) “Full of useful practical tips and learning points” ― Cruising Association Tom Cunliffe has many years of experience cruising all round Europe and from the Caribbean to Russia and Brazil to the Arctic. He is an RYA Yachtmaster examiner and a training consultant for Sailing USA - the governing body of yachting in the USA. He is a regular columnist for Sailing Today , Classic Boat and Yachting World in the UK, and SAIL in the USA. Martyn Mackrill is Honorary Painter of the Royal Thames Yacht Club and the Royal Yacht Squadron. His depictions of classic boats have made him one of the most sought-after marine artists, and his work forms part of major collections worldwide.