Andrew Simpson

Over the years I have been the author of a number of books, four of which are fairly recent and are readily available. All of these current titles were for the Royal Yachting Association — usually referred to simply as the RYA.

The first to appear was the RYA Diesel Engine Handbook published in 2006 with extensive – and beautifully drawn – illustrations by Sarah Selman.

The text unravels the mysteries of these workhorses of the sea, describing step by step how they work. Apart from the descriptions of each function – fuel supply, air system, cooling, electrics, lubrication and transmission – there are also chapters on maintenance, fault finding and emergency procedures. Combined with the workshop manual for your particular engine, there is nothing else you need to know. For further information or to buy this book from the RYA shop, click on the image to the right.

Next came the RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers (2008) – this time illustrated by myself.

The title speaks for itself, striving to aquaint sea anglers with the maritime perils they may face when in pursuit of their catches. There are chapters on the boats themselves, their means of propulsion, plus boat handling, navigation, collision avoidance, the weather, running repars and how to deal with other unforseen emergencies.

Again the book can be obtained by clicking on the image, left.

Over the years, boats have become increasingly dependent on electrical systems. To help sailors deal with their intricacies, a companion addition to the Diesel Handbook – the RYA Electrical Handbook – was published in 2009.

After an introduction into basic electrical principles, the book divides the circuitry into distinct, easily understood sections: engine starting, distribution circuits, generating systems and so on.

Also covered are onboard AC shore power and diesel generators, plus other sources of electrical power such as solar panels and wind generators. There is a handy chapter on fault finding so those niggling problems that haunt so many boats can be traced and rectified. To buy a copy, click the link, right.

Just out (Sept 2010) is the RYA Multihull Handbook for Cruisers, intended as an introduction to anyone with an interest in these intriguing craft. This book contains basic design theory as applied to multihulls and the more practical aspects of sailing and manoeuvring both under sail and power. The important subject of stability is explored as are the consequences – however unlikely – of capsize.

At the risk of being boring, yet again the image link will take you to the RYA Shop.

In my capacity as illustrator and editor, I have been very proud to be associated with two other books, of which I was not the author.

The most recent is called Fishing Afloat (again published under the RYA banner), penned by my good friend, Dick McClary, co-owner of Alacazam (see 'monuhulls' page) and hugely knowledgeable in the secrets of attracting fish, first to the hook and then to the frying pan. This is an absolutely splendid source of information, written in a rollicking style and packed with more tips on fishing than I could possibly list here.Check out Dick's fishing website http://www.go-saltwater-fishing.com/index.html


The second book was published in 2008 and is the work of another close friend, Rob Gibson – a RYA Yachtmaster Examiner and extremely experienced sailor – whose RYA handbook on Boat Handling for Sail and Power has been widely acclaimed both at home and overseas.

This book is a must for all who dread the embarrassment of a mishandled manoeuvre.

Both books are wholeheartedly recommended!!!