John Rousmaniere

I was the editor of the book Desirable & and Undesirable Characteristics of Offshore Yachts back in 1987. You readers might be interested in the reason for the book. A Force 10 (near hurricane strength) storm in the 1979 Fastnet Race in England left many people dead, many boats sunk, and a great many sailors around the world worried that it might happen again. I (an American) sailed in the race and was asked by a British publisher to write a book about it. Tiltled "Fastnet, Force 10" (the number means storm wind strength), the book sold well around the world. "Undesirable" (the book) is a response to the storm, with information on how to avoid trouble. It had healthy sales and reviews. While a storm many years ago triggered these concerns, bad weather still challenges sailors, which is why they should be prepared for bad weather. John Rousmaniere, New York, NY