Frank Virgintino, author of numerous cruising guides for the Caribbean, has extended his ground breaking "A Thinking Man's Guide to Voyages South: The Many Facets of Caribbean Cruising" in this third edition (12/2012) . The basis for "A Thinking Man's Guide to Voyages South" is the author's representation of the Caribbean basin in four quadrants. This latest edition is 20 percent larger than before, with additional enhanced charts to provide cruisers with visual references for the thought provoking presentations of critical factors in route planning. The author expands an in-depth discussion of the pros and cons not only of the options to depart the North American coast but also of the various entries into the Caribbean, including the "back door" at the western end of Cuba. The author's innovative description of "the Hole" in the southwestern Caribbean and his consequent approach to the surprising characteristics of the area are especially valuable for cruisers contemplating a circumnavigation of the Caribbean; or perhaps poised at the eastern side of "the Hole". All of this is in addition to the necessary aspects of preparation, including understanding weather and the nature of the Gulf Stream; safety and security; and local knowledge and observations imparted by someone who has loved the Caribbean and cruised extensively there for over four decades.
