These are the books that we have found most useful in our passage from complete novices to, hopefully, competent ocean cruisers. They are listed in approximately the order that we first read them.

Voyaging on a Small Income, by Annie Hill. A young couple build a boat on the cheap, and then sail it many times around the Atlantic with very little money at all. They eat a lot of pulses. ISBN 978-0901281005

Ocean Cruising on a Budget, by Anne Hamick The author and her sister refit an old yacht and make two Atlantic voyages. Contains a wealth of practical cruising information.

Sailing with Penny Whiting This is the iconic Kiwi learn-to-sail book, an essential accompaniment to any sailing course. Practical, lively, and bursting with no-nonsense advice. ISBN 978-0790008189

Handbook of Sailing, by Bob Bond Exactly what it says on the cover. Everything that you need to know, from the first moment that you step aboard a boat until you pack it away at the end of the day. ISBN 978-0679740636

Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen, by Mary Blewitt Written shortly after the war, this slim volume remains the best, and clearest, guide to navigating with a sextant. Others have tried, but they tend to quickly bog down in impenetrable theory. The theory is all here, too, but it's presented in terms of practicality and is easy to digest. If you own a sextant, then you need this book (though remember that you'll also need the current year's sight tables). ISBN 978-0713664225

The Lonely Sea and the Sky, by Francis Chichester The great navigator's autobiography, single-handing around the world in tiny yachts and smaller aeroplanes, inventing windvane self-steering and aerial navigation along the way. His indomitable spirit is inspirational. It's out of print, but you should be able to get hold of a second-hand copy. ASIN B000HG2RXA

Sailboat Maintenance Manual, by Don Casey All the basic tips and tricks for fixing up an old or worn yacht. I find this an invaluable 'get you started' guide when I have no idea how to tackle a new problem. ISBN 978-0071462846

Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual, by Nigel Calder Heavily opinionated, and rightly so! Nigel Calder is indefatigable in his testing of rival products. His encyclopaedic knowledge borders on the incredible. A must-have before attempting any shipboard electrical work. ISBN 978-0713672268