Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 70th Edition

“For more than a century, Chapman has earned its place as an icon of American boating. Authoritative, comprehensive, and reader-friendly, Chapman tells you everything you need to know to enjoy safe boating, no matter what kind of boat you have. It belongs on the bookshelf of every boat owner; better yet, keep it on your boat, and don’t leave the dock without it.”
—Peter A. Janssen, a veteran cruiser under both power and sail, former editor & publisher Motor Boating & Sailing, former editorial director Yachting, cruising editor Power & Motoryacht, and co-founder and editor of Cruising Odyssey.

“Chapman Piloting & Seamanship isn’t just a book — it’s the standard by which boating knowledge is measured. Seventy editions in, it remains the first place new boaters turn to learn and the last word experienced mariners consult when it matters most. Under John Wooldridge’s editorship, the 70th edition honors that legacy while keeping pace with how we boat today.”
—Jeanne Craig, Editor-in-Chief, SOUNDINGS

“This … classic reference used by boating schools and recommended by the Coast Guard Auxiliary covers every imaginable topic related to both powerboats and sailing ships … information is presented in an easy-to-understand text and a user-friendly design.”
—Publishers Weekly, praise for previous edition

“While crossing the Central Pacific during our record setting Around the World voyage of our 40 footer or the Trans-Atlantic voyage on our Nordhavn 57 - escorting 18 powerboats from Ft Lauderdale to Gibraltar – we had aboard both a copy of Chapman Piloting & Seamanship and our great friend John Wooldridge. I can think of few people better suited to edit and manage the latest edition of Chapman’s than John. His deep knowledge comes from a lifetime spent on the water and a genuine dedication to studying and documenting the experiences of fellow mariners. I’ve found Chapman’s to be an incredibly valuable resource and one I always like to have aboard as a trusted reference.”
– Jim Leishman, Nordhavn Yachts

Charles F. Chapman was a pioneering boating editor, racer, navigator, and lifelong advocate for maritime safety and education. In 1917, he founded Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, which became the definitive guide to boating and seamanship in the United States. Chapman also served for more than five decades as editor of Motor Boating magazine and was a founding member of the United States Power Squadrons. His enduring legacy lives on through Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, still recognized today as the most trusted and authoritative reference for boaters worldwide.

John Wooldridge is a lifelong boater who began photographing and writing about boats professionally in 1977. He served as editor-in-chief for numerous marine magazines. He is editor of the 70th edition of Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, and co-editor of the 68th and 69th editions.

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