Tom Cunliffe spent 16 years working in all branches of the professional yachting scene. He has taught offshore sailing at the National Sailing Centre, is an RYA Yachtmaster Examiner and is involved with the Instructor Training Programme. As well as being the author of several books, he is Editor of The Yachtsman magazine and writes for a number of USA magazines. In his private capacity he has cruised world-wide with his family.