A collection of the best places to sail around the world for planners and dreamers.

If you could cruise anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Would you head for the cooler climes of Northern Europe, or the tropical heat of the southern hemisphere? With so many wonderful destinations around the world, it is hard to know where to start, but with this book a sailor's dream can become a reality. Highly experienced sailor Vanessa Bird handpicks 25 of the most varied and interesting places to explore. From weekend cruises around the British Isles, and crossing the Atlantic Ocean to island hopping in the Caribbean, or sailing on one of Canada's Great Lakes, this guide gives a useful snapshot of some of the finest cruising grounds from around the world.

For each destination, there is practical information on the route and when to go, what to see, the level of skill or qualifications required and important things to consider, such as what type of boat is needed and hazards along the route.

Written with sailors of all abilities and preferences in mind, the routes featured cover a wide range of cruising grounds. Illustrated with stunning photography, this guide provides an inspirational glimpse into the places to visit and gives you the information needed to kickstart your adventure.

Vanessa Bird learned to sail at the age of 10, sailing dinghies in the Lake District and at Lancaster University, before joining Classic Boat magazine as staff. She has since worked for Yachting Monthly and the Discovery Channel, and as a freelance writer, editor and indexer. She is also an author of four books. Now based on the South Coast, she sails Ocean Pearl, a 1933 Scottish lugger, which was restored by her boatbuilder partner, Nick Gates, out of Chichester Harbour. Vanessa is also a keen kayaker and cyclist