Book Description
This book is about learning to sail. It follows the techniques perfected at the world-famous Annapolis Sailing School, where thousands of people just like you have learned to take tiller in hand and harness the wind. You'll learn your way around a boat--what its parts are called, what they do, and how to use them to ride the wind wherever you want to go.

Read this book, spend some time on a boat, and practice your new skills, and pretty soon you'll be a sailor, one of a select group of people who think there's nothing finer than hiking out to windward in a close-hauled dinghy--racing against friends or a neighboring sailing club, or alone and just for the fun of it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great starter book on sailing
We just purchased a Sunfish and this book was a great primer for both me and my children (ages 9 and 10). Illustrations are very helpful and fun.

If you buy one "how to sail" book...
This is the best introductory book on sailing small boats i have seen. It works perfectly with individual or group instruction and has been rated high by my son-in-law and three grandkids.

Nice book for YOUNG beginning sailors
NOT for adults. Geared toward sailing campers and so on who are young teenagers or younger.

Good, comprehensive book for learning the fundamentals of sailing.

Very good theoretical preview to sailing
This is a great boat because its make it simple, and thats really the key. If you can understand some of the basics from here, the physical sailing will be much more logical, and will assist you as you learn on the go.

If you have children you want to introduce to sailing also this is a good buy.

Excellent introductory sailing manual.
I purchased this book, as well as the "Complete Sailor" and "Sailing for Dummies" in an effort to learn to sail a 14 ft. dinghy, and I can easily say that "Learning to Sail" was the best of the three.It's very simple, with just enough basics to get you up and sailing safely.No, you won't be able to cruise to the Bahamas after reading this book, but it should be more than enough to let you enjoy a little freedom out on the lake.It was very nicely illustrated, with simple, straightforward instruction.It also had good illustrations on how to tie some of the basic knots in sailing, as well as where and when they're used.Overall, an excellent book for the beginning sailor. ... Read more

Book Description

Singlehanded Sailing offers an account of the experiences and techniques of the lone voyagers, and penetrating insights into the psychology of singlehanders, their vessels, gear, strategies, and techniques, plus vivid accounts of emergency experiences alone against the elements. The information is absorbing in its own right, but also of obvious value to a larger audience of cruising sailors who occasionally find themselves sailing singlehanded or shorthanded. Combined with a wealth of practical information is an overriding sense of the camaraderie of the sea, and Henderson's steadying hand as a master sailor and teacher.

The growing popularity of singlehanded racing has spawned a wealth of technological breakthroughs: voyagers can now avail themselves of reliable autopilots, much lighter and more efficient rigs, microprocessor navigation, and satellite weather forecasting. Boats are bigger, lighter, and faster--and the costs and stakes are higher. Singlehanded sailing is at the leading edge of sailing technology.

These innovations are of major import for the larger audience of cruising and shorthanded sailors, and Henderson explores these connections thoroughly. A chapter on "Singlehanding for Everyone," and a thoughtful and provocative conclusion, assess the contributions and possible future of singlehanding. Even more than in the first edition, Henderson achieves a remarkable combination--a practical how-to book that is also an eloquent contribution to the sailing literature.

No better survey of singlehanded skills, boats, and hardware exists."--from the Foreword by John Rousmaniere

What reviewers said about the first edition of Singlehanded Sailing:

"This is more than just the most authoritative work to date on solo sailing. Because it deals with people who've had to be expert seamen to survive, the book becomes, perforce, a manual of great usefulness to any yachtsman contemplating a shorthanded voyage. Read it through once for perspective. Then put it with your navigation tables for ready reference when planning your next transatlantic."--Philip S. Weld

"It is a distillation of the experience gained by hundreds of sailors during a century of singlehanded sailing, and a critical and technically detailed discussion of the equipment and techniques available today. Henderson writes not only for the prospective singlehander who plans to sail offshore alone, but for every cruising sailor who might find himself effectively alone, through accident, illness or the inexperience or other incapacity of his crew--and that, to me, means every cruising sailor."--John S. Letcher, Jr.

"It is an excellent book, and I would consider it a disgrace for any Society member not to have a copy. Do not tell me you already have Borden, and Klein, and Merrien, and Holm, and Clarke, and etc., etc., so why should you buy another book on singlehanded sailing? Because reading maketh a full man."--Richard Gordon McCloskey, Slocum Society founder ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

One of Everything
Henderson covers all the bases, and the book is full of helpful hints. But book is a synopsis of all he's read (not complete) and is presented ina dry style.Though solid at core, information is now dated.Good forbrief history of single-handing, and lots of helpful hints andillustrations.Well worth the purchace, well worth the read, but keepreading. Does anyone know what boat is on the cover?

Extensive current & historical information for Singlehanders
This is a reference book.A "must" for anyone persueing the reality of offsore singlehanded sailing.This is not a basic how-to, but rather assumes the reader has some relevant experience.

The writer delves into yacht and rigging design from the historical perspective allthe way through to modern day Vendee' and Around Alone (ex BOC) typepurpose built (solo) racing machines. None or very limited coverage of MiniTransat(s) or 6.5m class boats.

Chapters also include psycologicalmotivation, sleep deprivation, steering, stores, etc.

Some pictures& sketches mostly b/w

Extensive current & historical information for Singlehanders
This is a reference book.A "must" for anyone persueing the reality of offsore singlehanded sailing.This is not a basic how-to, but rather assumes the reader has some relevant experience.

The writer delves into yacht and rigging design from the historical perspective allthe way through to modern day Vendee' and Around Alone (ex BOC) typepurpose built (solo) racing machines. None or very limited coverage of MiniTransat(s) or 6.5m class boats.

Chapters also include psycologicalmotivation, sleep deprivation, steering, stores, etc.

Some pictures& sketches mostly b/w

basically a thesis, written from published works
Save your money.Buy a book from one who has the expertise to write on this subject.Bernard Moitessier can say more in a few pages than thisbook has to offer. ... Read more

Book Description
The New Complete Sailing Manual is undisputedly the most essential reference for sailing instructors and students. From learning the basics of sailing to learning navigation and boat care, this is the perfect book for anyone interested in sailing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Perfect teenager- adult sailing history and how to manual
"This is a great all around beginning to intermediate sailing reference.It is beautifully illustrated and layed out in the manner of your favorite textbook.Clear, concise, and not dry. ... Read more

Book Description
Why must a boat make leeway in order to sail to windward? How can a helmsman prevent downwind rolling? Why is a sail able to produce a force at right angles to the wind direction? How do the motions of water particles in waves affect boat handling? These and many other important questions are addressed by the author in this detailed study of the motive forces of a yacht.

The author has the rare gift of enabling his readers to relate the nautical phenomena with which they are so familiar to a physical explanation of how and why these occur. The first part covers downwind sailing, upwind sailing, sails, the hull, and the dynamic motion of a yacht. Part Two is devoted to more mathematical explanations of the same phenomena for those requiring a more scientific approach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The full story
Garrett goes all out in describing the real physics behind sailing.A great book for anyone with a serious need or want to understand the intricacies behind a wonderful sport. The book is very technical, especially in the latter parts. Very well written, and much less overwhelming than Marchaj.

I love this book
If you like sailing and physics this book will make you enjoy on a fourth dimension.

good book
good book for the intermediate and expert in yacht design/construction and yachting who wants to check the knowledge.

Outshines by far any book on the topic of sailing theory.
While written some 12 years ago this book is as fresh as a daisy. Some of the topics are still breathtaking in their implications for the future of sailing such as sailing dead downwind faster than the wind.

Alreadypractical yachts have sailed straight into the wind, and it just awaits thetechnology to acheive this down wind trick.

As well there are straightforward guides as to how to handle a yacht in the real world of racing, aswell as sobering discussions on the effects of breaking seas.

All in allit has made me a far more aware sailor with the knowledge to plan forexciting sailing and future fun. ... Read more

Book Description
Millions of people have seen Michael Kahn's stunning seascape and sailing images in art galleries, on posters, and in Pottery Barn and other retail catalogs. Now, collected for the first time in book form, this sumptuous coffee-table volume is a visual escape that inevitably evokes a longing for the sea. Kahn hand-prints his images using a process he developed, which produces warm, sepia-toned photographs. This collection is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the emotional pull of a sailboat on the open sea. ... Read more

Book Description
The third of US SAILING's popular Keelboat Series, Bareboat Cruising covers the skills and terminology required to plan and execute a successful bareboat charter. A bareboat charter provides you with the opportunity to sail a boat on your own, and offers the thrill of using your sailing skills, exploring new or favorite waters and spending time with family and friends. Bareboat Cruising explains what you need to make your charter a memorable success: planning and provisioning, systems, motorsailing, weather, anchoring, navigation, and safety. Used by sailing schools around the country, Bareboat Cruising is published by the national authority for sailing in the U.S. ... Read more

Product Description
Royce s Sailing Illustrated, Volume 1 is an on-the-water manual providing any information desired about sailing.It covers a wide range of topics, from sail and hull ratios to types of knots and ways to detect a thunderstorm.Illustrations and maps enhance the instruction of every passage.A glossary and index allows finding your area of interest very simply.This book is issued in conjunction with Royce s Sailing Illustrated, Volume 2 and Royce s Powerboating Illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Sailing with Pat
I had the opportunity to sail Pink Cloud through Newport (CA) harbor with Pat Royce in 1978. He gave me a signed copy of his book which I will forever cherish; I started sailing International 14's a couple years later and had a chuckle when I looked to see Pat included the 14 in his book. A wonderfully illustrated and narrated book. Buy one for yourself and give as gifts to your friends who want to learn about sailing.

An invaluable reader's companion for historical sailing literature
I've never sailed, but bought this to understand what was going on in the rigging as I read Two Years Before the Mast, and have since found it an invaluable companion in reading such books as In the Heart of the Sea, The Loss of the Ship Essex, the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey/Maturin books and others. Much to my surprise, the book included diagrams of the Pilgrim in which Dana sailed and some of the other ships mentioned in Dana's book, and of the Essex as well. Many of the wide variety of sailing ships mentioned in O'Brian are also shown. Fascinating reference to deepen the understanding of this literature.

Fair winds...
Great book - have the one from the 70's but just wanted an update and to give one away to a new sailor friend who is taking sailing courses.
Wooo hoooo!!

The ONLY book you need on a sailboat
I have shelf after shelf of books on sailing and boating, but only Royce's Sailing Illustrated is essentially worn out. This and the accompanying workbook are the only books of which I have two copies; one set at home and one set the boat. If you want an excellent introduction to sailing, buy, borrow, or steal this book. It's still no substitute for actually spending time at the tiller (and making your own mistakes), but Royce, through this little book, will teach you more than a boat-load of much more expensive volumes (or most sailing "schools", for that matter).

perfect!
Only telepathy could have provided a faster & more pleasant experience. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive guide to the Laser.

The Complete Book of Laser Sailing is the most comprehensive book about successfully sailing and racing this popular and challenging high-performance dinghy. Dick Tillman tells you everything you need to know about the boat and how to set it up and sail it, including:

• Rigging and sailing the boat
• Trailering and cartopping
• Maintenance and storage
• Training and physical conditioning
• Upwind and offwind racing techniques
• Clothing and equipment
• Interviews with such champion racers as Hans Fogh, Ed Baird, Ed Adams, and Danielle Myrdal

• The latest sail control and rig modifications
• Updated listings of major competition results
• New interviews with champion racers, including Olympian Mark Mendelblatt and Paige Railey on Radials

  "A fine-tuned guide to everything anyone could ever need or want to know about the Laser."—Sailing

  "This book will most certainly make you a better sailor and could help you become a champion."—Soundings

  "This book is a must."—The Little Ship ... Read more

  Customer Reviews (7)

  Great book!
  Excellent book, it covers all the aspects of the laser sailing, with a clear and in deep terms. One of the best parts are the interviews, that brings to me a wider vision through a lot points of view from many laser sailors.

  Laser Learner
  Great book to give a lot of detail and enthusiasm regarding laser sailing. Saves a lot of trial and error. Interviews with champion laser sailers are great.

  Disappointing
  If you want a book to help you help you understand how to sail a laser, this isn't it!

  As well as being very dated (it seems all the photos were taken in the 70's) subjects as vital as tacking is explained in four bullet points, with no photos.

  Wonderful Book
  I am new into Laser sailing but not sailing in general.This book is great!It skips all the begginer stuff and dives right into the good stuff.This book explains it all.This book even has a large section of interviews with top laser sailers.They talk about the in's and out's of high performance laser sailing.This book is a must buy if you want to sail fast and have more fun with your laser!

  Helpful to beginner, even better for improving sailor
  After sailing other dinghies for a couple of years, I started sailing Lasers this summer, and picked this book to improve my technique.The book's guidance definitely improved my abilities and helped me to tame this fantastic boat, which I sail almost exclusively now.While acknowledging the benefits of the book, the authors should address the uneven quality of the diagrams and their relation to the text.In fact, after four editions it is high time for a redesign of the graphics.

  For example, a basic skill for tacking and jibing is a "behind-the-back" maneuver that would best be explained with a series of pictures.There are several examples of this throughout the book, and when there is a relevant diagram or picture, the quality varies.

  While I hope the authors address this criticism, there is nevertheless a wealth of information and advice that can be gleaned, espcially if one has a reasonably vivid imagination.I rate this book a worthwhile buy, especially because of the dearth of books on the Laser. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A great old classic
I would suggest it for anyone intending to build a boat, or anyone interested in the history of boats in any way means or form.

Invaluable Source
For anyone interested in small American sailing craft this is the definite volume. As a small boat builder and model builder there is no more comprehensive source of information.

Dry but great guide to the history of American work boats.
Each section on the boat type is both too short and long enough. I wanted more text on dories, and Whitehalls, my favorite boats but there was enough about Bermuda fishing boats and Jersey Shore boats to pique my interest to go google them and see if I could find a modern version to look at. If you are considering buying or building a 19th century style boat this is a great guide to what you are getting. It's original purpose and design guidelines. It is not a how to build a boat unless you already know what you are doing and can read micro drawings of lines. To a master boat builder this book would be enough to a garage shop guy, only a taste.

I bought it to research Jersey Shore boats and ended up reading it all. A boat nuts bible.

classic
This is the classic book about classic boats.I bought it because of my interest in one particular boat and ended up reading it cover to cover.The author put together a large part of the Smithsonian's collection ofboat plans and definitely knew his stuff.This is a great book if you areinterested in a particular type of historic boat.It is also worth readingjust to compare the relative merits of different designs.The lines andoffsets given for the many of boats are enough to build from.

There is no substitute for this definitive work
Howard Chapelle lived and wrote at a time when the fleets of working small sailing craft rapidly vanished.His life's work was to preserve a lowly, humble part of American maritime heritage, and his efforts are without peer.

In American Small Sailing Craft, Chapelle shows us a number of the plain work-a-day craft of the watermen of old.Although people of those times took little notice of such common, plain, ordinary vessels, we modern readers are left to marvel at their seaworthiness, sturdiness, simplicity--in short, their consummate practicality.

Any maritime heritage enthusiast will love this classic book. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn the essentials of sailing and seamanship from one of the world’s premier boating organizations

Since 1978, Sailing Skills and Seamanship has been the required manual for students in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s esteemed sail-training programs. Now this exclusive handbok is available for the first time to every beginning and intermediate sailor. It is your thorough introduction to recreational sailing’s fundamentals, from choosing the right sailboat to knowing the rules of the nautical road and everything in between.

Discover the answers to all your questions on:

• Essential equipment, both required and recommended
• Docking and anchoring
• Sailing fundamentals
• Tuning your sailboat’s rigging for best performance
• Knots, splices, and line handling
• Operating and maintaining outboard or inboard engines
• Navigation and the rules of the nautical road
• Boat handling and seamanship on coastal and inland waters
• Trailering a sailboat
• Marine weather and marine communications
• And much more!

Approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), with chapter review questions and answers, Sailing Skills and Seamanship is the ideal study and reference guide for honing your sailing skills and expanding your seamanship knowledge. ... Read more

Book Description

Build the fastest, most exotic sailboats around!

Customer Reviews (6)

Unique!!
As a sailor, builder, and designer of multihulls, and collector of multihull related books, this one is unique! Dierking presents three simple and attractive designs, from a hard chined plywood outrigger for a first time builder or for a class project; to a strip built asymmetric hulled proa that is also simply described and laid out for a first time builder.
The book also details the construction of amas, akas, spars, and foils; everything is covered. If you are inclined to purchase plans from Dierking, this book would be the perfect primer. Actually, it's a great primer to anyone interested in building a small sailing craft.

Building Outrigger Sailing Canoes
If you're interested in building a sailing outrigger or have simply always wondered how these somewhat mysterious boats work, this book is a "must have" and contains a tremendous amount of information, especially for the price. People who have read my book (Canoe Rig) know that I place great value on plenty of top-notch illustrations. Gary's book is crammed full of them and does an excellent job of showing you exactly what he's talking about in the text. They also inspire the reader to build one (or maybe even all three) of the boat projects illustrated, just because they're beautiful boats. Toss in the bonus that they're light, fast and relatively easy to transport and store in the off-season and the become even more attractive. The "Ulua" design, in particular would also make a great paddling hull in case you aren't interested in sailing all the time. Building procedures and options for all three designs are well documented and discussed. This is, after all, a boat building book, not just an explanation of the types and principles of outrigger canoes (though you'll learn a lot about them as you read and build). In short, this book will be a great addition to any conoeist's library and any or all of the boats illustrated should be a very nice and unusual addition to your fleet.

Todd Bradshaw
Addiction Sailmakers

If you like sailing canoes then buy it!
Well written and illustrated. Three different designs and their variations are presented. Since I am rabid about proas I read it cover to cover and enjoyed it immensely. I don't think it's enough for a beginner to build a complete canoe just from the tables of offsets and parts diagrams but perhaps an experienced craftsman could pull it off. I still think it would be better to buy the full plans if you're serious about building. The plans will have the construction sequence, tips, instructions, etc. that the book lacks. Thus this book is a long advertisement for Gary's plans but I don't find fault with that. I wish there was more about actually sailing the canoes. I liked reading a little more of Gary's history building and designing canoes. In the end this book is exactly what the title says.

Everything you wanted to know about outriggers, but were afraid to ask
Congratullations to Gary Dierking for a great book in the art of boat building a pacific sailing outrigging. There is enough writing and a lot of pictures to clear any issues a person may have. This is a great reference book for any amateur or experienced boat builder.

Great book for sailors and builders and want-to-be-eithers
This book does two things for me, and perhaps for you too. First, it fills a function by standing alongside other "build your own boat" books, and especially canoe books; Bradshaw, Payson, and Dierking, all writers of build-your-boat books accessible to amateurs, each filling a niche, and each forming the core of the essential library for a variety of different types of people attracted to the water (and who can say it better than Melville's Ishmael on page one of "Moby Dick"?).The book in particular is a strong contribution to the do-it-yourself movement, a vital movement in a world of a lot of vague "movements." Here is one you can out your hands on, or rather wrap your hands around -- a tool, a sheet, a piece of wood that will be starting its second life. Doable, affordable adventure is possible for the common person -- this is necessary, so start now -- and can well start on the top of your garage work bench. The second thing this book does is solve a lot of problems. I'm no old salt, I just built a couple of outrigger canoes on my own with no guidance. And, I find that most of my major errors could have been avoided with this straight-forward, complete, and occasionally witty book. --wt ... Read more

Book Description
Sailing Smart is for every sailor who wants to increase his or her knowledge, understanding, and sailing expertise: the local day-sailor who wants a firmer grasp of the fundamentals, as well as the serious competitor who wants to be up on the latest, most innovative sailing techniques and racing strategies. Buddy Melges, one of the world's best-known sailors, has at last set down his highly original thoughts on how to sail well. He covers the full range of sailing experience, from the general to the specific, the basic to the highly sophisticated. Melges's message is delivered in a bright, uncluttered manner by way of applications from his own sailing experience and through step-by-step instructions on everything from basic boat handling to expert on-the-course tactics and maneuvers. The book is profusely illustrated by the noted sailing artist Ted Brennan, and each drawing is accompanied by a cogent, in-depth explanatory caption. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A "Must Have"
This book offers a little bit of basic, medium and advanced techniques and will certainly help sailors that are willing to achieve better places on races. In spite of its age (issued on 1983) it offers concepts that are still being practiced by sailors all over the world.

Sailing Smart is smart sailing
I have been sailing for 20 years and had prided myself on becoming a pretty good sailor.My family and I have been on sailing vacations in the BVI, sail off-shore of Charleston, SC and enjoy weekend boat camping.Then, last year, I joined a weekend racing crew and found out I didn't know as much as I thought I did.We finished dead last in our first two races.My pride was bruised but I asked around the club and the resource most recommended was Sailing Smart by Melges.

This book is a gold mine.Buddy Melges lays out his wealth of experience and sailing knowledge in clear, easy to understand examples and tips.Understanding the little tweaks to make in any given situation improved our racing and my family sailing as well.We now arrive at our favorite gunk hole earlier and ended the season 8th out of 19.

I highly recommend this book

Racing Skipper's Must Have
This review refers to "Sailing Smart" By Buddy Melges and Charles Mason...

Sailing season is in full swing. Day sailors, live aboards and racers are taking to the water, and although there is something to be gotten from this read for all of the above mentioned, this is a must read and geared towards racing sailors, and particularly Skippers. It is not a book for beginners, or those wanting to learn how to sail. A good knowledge of boating and sailing terms, and hands on experience is practically a prerequisite.It's for those serious about the sport.For those looking for more along the lines of help with the basics, I would recommend "Basic Sailing"(Diana Jessie) or "Sailing Fundamentals(Gary Jobson). These are both a great help, have glossaries and will prepare you for your certification test. See my reviews if interested. If you are completely new, hands-on lessons are a must.

"Sailing Smart" is an excellent look at what it takes for racers to become champions. It's a treasure chest of advice from a champion. It's a read that you will not only find extremely helpful, but one that is so well written and interesting to racers, that you can read it straight through the first time around, and use it often to refer back to and practice(practice, practice) for specific maneuvers.

Melges will take you from the beginning; preparing yourself and your crew, mentally and physically,preparing your equipment, understanding the elements, tactics for every leg of the race from the starting point to the finish, and some wonderful reflections on racing and winning. Every detail, no matter how small is talked about, and readiness for every situation that may occur is stressed. There are times when inches may make a difference, and this book will help you gain them. You will also find many illustrations, so you can visualize the maneuvers talked about.

This book is nearly 20 years old. Sure there is new equipment coming out all the time, but "Sailing Smart" is just that. Smart Sailing! Learning to work with mother nature, getting the most from your sails, getting just the shape you need to pick up some speed, these things will never be out of date.

A must have for every Skipper's library.(also a good read for crew members as well).I think even the very experienced can gain from the read. Just reading it through the first time will have you wanting to get involved in a race, and practicing the maneuvers, learning to read the wind will build your confidence as well.

If you think about sailing all the time, this book is for you. After the read, you will not be able to think of anything else!

See you at the finish line!....Laurie

valuable tips
for all that wish to improve the saling skills and achiev better regata performance this book will guide you between the teory and practical. Very good.

Tell it like it is
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.Buddy Melges tells the reader what he is considering all the way around an olympic race course.This is a practitioners style of writting without the fluff.He tells you how and why and then moves on to the next phase of the race course.Learn the secrets and steepen your learning curve. ... Read more

Book Description
Full of astounding adventures, Sailing Alone around the World is the true story of the first man ever to circle the globe alone entirely by sea. In a little over three years, Captain Joshua Slocum completed the feat many experts believed couldn't be done—and he has the stories to prove it. During his historic voyage, Slocum was chased by pirates in Gibraltar, soaked by a "rain of blood" in Australia, and battered by perilous storms in the open ocean. He also met many famous—and infamous—people along the way, from Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson in Samoa, to Black Pedro, "the worst murderer in Tierra del Fuego." This absorbing tale, written with humor and poetic eloquence, was first published in 1900 and has remained in print ever since. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Sailing Alone around the World
This is a high quality, well constructed book.Your getting much more than you pay for.

THE BEST CLASSIC SINGLE HAND SAILING EVER
A must read for everyone. Truly one of the great classics on sailing single handed around the world. And this was during the turn of the last century. Hearing about the ports and native people over 100 years ago, is living history. A must for every sailors library. One of the all time bests. If you pick one book to read about sailing, start here. People will be reading this for a thousand years. Our American Ulyses.

A Classic Sailing Story for All Time
It is awesome to read what Joshua Slocum did.His achievement should be celebrated forever. His writing style is not particularly good but the content of the story is unique. All crusing sailors should read this book.Slocum clearly was an outstanding navigator and all around sailor.The section of the book on his adventures going around Cape Horn dealing withthe weather, currents, and natives is particularly exciting.This is a story waiting for a Hollywood movie or, even better, a long running TV series. ... Read more

Book Description
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Adler invites you on a decadent Mediterranean cruise-where nothing is what it seems, no one is telling the truth, and murder is on the agenda... When English tycoon Sir Robert Waldo Hardwick dies mysteriously in a car accident, he leaves behind a note naming six people he suspects might have wanted him dead. Daisy Kean, and P.I. Harry Montana team up to take the suspects-and also six 'red herrings'-on a fabulous Mediterranean cruise, all expenses paid by the late Sir Robert.As they call at Monte Carlo, St. Tropez and Sorrento, the mystery deepens.And the unexpected twists are just the beginning. Finally, they arrive at the beautiful Villa Belkiss on Capri, where Sir Robert's will is to be read...and the killer unmasked. With the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside, the Mediterranean resorts and the magnificent cruise ship, plus the intense attraction between loner Montana and wary Daisy, passions flare and the beauty of the Villa Belkiss enchants. No one writes delicious armchair travel or intriguing suspense like Elizabeth Adler. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Good Book
A friend reccomended this book so I picked it up at the library. I won't dwell on the storyline except to say EA gives you enough insight into the characters to make them real and alive.I thought Harry Montana was a great character and liked Daisy though she was annoying at times. MS Adler leaves you guessing sometimes at the end of her books as to how it actually ended. She tied it up pretty well this time for all of the characters except for the 2 main characters. I was left with whether they married orjust got together when they could or ??? At any rate the story moves along well with no great feeling of romance or mystery.It's all just very light which is fine once in awhile.

Another great Elizabeth Adler read.
Sailing to Capri is an A+++. I loved it, could not put it down - the characters, settings and plot are wonderful. I highly recommend it - I was sad when I finished it!

Sailing to Capri
My first Adler book.An easy read in 3-4 days.Enjoyable, held my attention.Ordered more books by her as a result of reading this one.Wonderful characters and a nice love story.

A light fun romantic mystery!!
If you like mysteries with some romance, suspense and FUN, you might enjoy this novel.This was the first book I read by Ms. Adler and I will read more.She reminds me a bit of a cross between Carol Higgins Clark and Agatha Christie.There were parts to laugh and cry about as well as some good suspense.

The story revolves primarily around Daisy Keane who is newly divorced and childless at age 34 and has traveled to London from the U.S. to look for adventure and something new to do.She finds it when she meets Sir Robert Hardwick and becomes his personal assistant for the next 5 years until he is killed in an automobile accident.

At his funeral appears Harry Montana, a private investigator from the States with letters from Sir Robert for Daisy.It appears that Sir Robert had forewarned Harry that he had some enemies, six of them to be exact, that may be the ones responsible.Harry and Daisy's job is to locate all six and take them on a cruise at Sir Robert's expense and to find out which one of them is his killer!!

Many adventures and mishaps ensue as Harry and Daisy gather the suspects.The reader also gets to know each suspect just a little but not enough to guess who the killer is.At the same time, we get some romance between Harry and Daisy who are both afraid of commitment and seem to at first have a very adversarial relationship.

A very enjoyable read!!

Linnie
Very well written. Easy to read and gave the feeling that you were actually with the characters in the places they were visiting. A nice read for a sunday afternoon. ... Read more

Book Description

Words of wisdom, humor, practical advice, and ripping yarns.

Twenty-five selections from some of the world's most famous authors and sailors.

Read about:

• Joshua Slocum, the first man to sail around the world alone
• Richard Henry Dana's extraordinary account of beginning a sailor's life
• Ted Turner's racing strategy
• Clare Francis on her transatlantic solo race
• Robert Louis Stevenson's emigrant passage of North America
• Jack London sailing in Polynesia

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Selection
Throughly enjoyed the selection of sailing stories. In fact one story(of a novice sailor taking his family for a sailing holiday) was so good I read to my wife and then had my daughter read to the family over dinner one night and we all laughed and reflected how real(and sometimes close to home) the experience was.
Amazing range of stories and hardly a dude amoungst them. Many very poignant, like the family on an ocean crossing experience who sailed into an island harbour against better practice and judgement and it cost them there yacht. The range from Americas cup to day sailors and solo
yachtwoman is wide , but it works. An easy read. Thank you. New Zealand day sailor

An "ok" read
I'm still trying to muddle through this book of stories. I find some to be quite mudane & not the least bit exciting. I was expecting more.

A Nice Collection of Sailing Stories
The author David Gowdey presents a 282 page collection of 25 sailing stories, weather guides, interviews, and poems - all of interest to sailors or people wishing to read about sailing. The stories are not really related to one another and as such this is not a compendium of stories that teach you how to sail or to be a better sailor. Rather it is a loose collection of interesting short stories and interviews about the sea and sailing divided into three sections, which covers general sailing, ocean trips, and some stories about racing. It covers small boats to large ocean racers, preparing for trips, crew psychology, cooking, weather, the appeal of the sea, poems, etc. He acts as an "editor" and writes a short four page introduction and injects a one page map of the world showing some of the routes outlined in the sailing stories. There are neither an index or a bibliography for further readings. As such the book merits just 2-3 stars for effort in my opinion, but in fact is closer to 5 stars in terms of reading enjoyment. All the stories can be found elsewhere but the author puts them into one book - and for that reason the book is popular and a good read.

For the most part it is an interesting read and vary varied. Each story is different and the writing is in general excellent. He has the story of "Lipton's Last Challenge" of the America's Cup by his boat Shamrock in 1930, the story of the Bluenose, interviews with Ted Turner and Dennis Connor, comments by a competitor of Dennis Connor - that is actually much more telling and positive about Connor than his interviews, preparing for an ocean crossing, Clare Francis crossing the north Atlantic alone, a story called "Cousteau: The Poet" - which gives many insights about the man, a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, and one story about the loss of a boat, plus many more.

An excellent short book that I would recommend to sailors or simply people wanting to read about sailing. I wish it had a bibliography, an index, and I found it too short. Having said that, the book does inspire the reader to find more similar stories.

Sail Away
This is a good book. Lots of differing points of view. Good yarns. Perfect for picking up while on a watch and putting down when you get tired.

I have read better sailing books
I love books about the sea and sailing.'Before the Wind' has been a slow and difficult read for me.It's as good as each short story.

I havefound more enjoyment in Kinder's 'Ship of Gold', Hemmingeay-Douglas' 'CapeHorn', and Alvah Simon's 'North to the Night'. ... Read more

Book Description
Sailing Alone Around the Room, by America’s Poet Laureate, Billy Collins, contains both new poems and a generous gathering from his earlier collections The Apple That Astonished Paris, Questions About Angels, The Art of Drowning, and Picnic, Lightning. These poems show Collins at his best, performing the kinds of distinctive poetic maneuvers that have delighted and fascinated so many readers. They may begin in curiosity and end in grief; they may start with irony and end with lyric transformation; they may, and often do, begin with the everyday and end in the infinite. Possessed of a unique voice that is at once plain and melodic, Billy Collins has managed to enrich American poetry while greatly widening the circle of its audience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (69)

Plato and The Platapus Walk Into a Bar
Very funny.A great way to learn about philosphy while having a good time.Fun to read while on a road trip.

I read this book for a graduate poetry class
Within the writing universe, there are certain prose writers who can take the every day contingencies of life and weave them into stories that both entertain and delight us. Author Richard Ford comes immediately to mind. For poets, the task seems much more difficult. The compact language of poetry leaves little room for detailed description and prolonged narrative. However, Billy Collins' new book of poems, "Sailing Alone Around the Room", is a delightful collection of poems that elevates the mundane and ordinary elements of daily life above the drab existentiality of everyday existence.

Collins, a two-term Poet Laureate of the United States, writes with clarity, humor, and insight. "Sailing Alone Around the Room" is a collection of both previously published and new poems that continues Collins' tradition of writing poetry that is readable, understandable, and relevant (and frequently irrelevant). It is poetry that is meant to be read and enjoyed, not slashed and burned by angry academics who seem to think that comprehensible poetry is a sin against their intellects.


The previously published selections come from 1988's "The Apple That Astonished Paris," 1991's "Questions About Angles," 1995's "The Art of Drowning," and 1998's "Picnic, Lighting." This new volume will reenergize Collins' fans and amuse and enchant new readers. Collins has a unique ability to personify concepts and, yet, remain poetic in function and form. In "Bar Time" Collins writes "...when Ordinary Time slouches past in a topcoat/rain running off the brim of his hat/the late edition like a flag in his pocket."In "The Death of the Hat" Collins tells us, "Today the mailboxes on the roadside/and the spruce trees behind the house/wear cold white hats of snow." But, "The Death of the Hat" is much more than just a poem about hats and the personification of mailboxes and trees. Collins' poem is about people and the lives they live and leave behind. He finishes the poem with "And now my father, after a life of work/wears a hat of earth/and on top of that/ a lighter one of cloud and sky - a hat of wind." Marvelous.


My advice? Put on your hat, brave the wind, and head down to the bookstore. This is a volume that is well worth the trip.

Review by Josh Stevens
What I appreciated most about Collins poetry was its accessibility in both language and universality of content.He talks of love, of life, of sex, of death, and of rebirth.He talks about dogs barking, clouds moving across the sky, of hats and waitresses.Some have commented that he is `playing it safe', but I think it goes beyond that into the shared commonality of all men and women: life.There are certain things we all can relate to, and others we can't -- this is what separates Collins works from his contemporaries more than any other aspect of his works: the appeal to your average Joe who has not studied poetry, but knows what he likes.We see this same path taken by other great poets as well: Wordsworth, Blake, Frost -- taking the ordinariness of life and making it extraordinary.
From his musing on the past in poems such as Nostalgia, Splitting Wood and The Waitress with their longing for the past, to the more philosophical The Butterfly Effect and Days focusing on the implications of actions on life and their varied outcomes, to the more prosaic Tuesday, June 4, 1991 in which he gives us a guided tour of his day, Collins views on life are as varied as life itself.In his beautiful and humorous poem, Afternoon with Irish Cows, we are ushered by Collins into the mind of both the poet and the subject -- in this case, a cow -- and see both in the eternal scheme of life as playing a very similar role.As Collins says when he hears one of them crying:

Yes, it sounded like pain until I could see
the noisy one, anchored there on all fours,
her neck outstretched, her bellowing head
laboring upward as she gave voice
to the rising, full bodied cry...

As Collins watches and listens, he no longer feels pity, but a sense of wonder and awe at the life of this other creature whom he sees as having the same goal and motivations as himself:

...I knew that she was announcing
the large, unadulterated cowness of herself,
pouring out the ancient apologia of her kind
to all the green fields and the gray clouds...

The role of the subject and the poet are the same: to show the world who they are, and the necessity of self in the grand scheme of life -- even if only as a herald of self existence.This `life for life's sake' approach to his poetry brings us into a sense of ease and to an endearment of his texts if merely for the lack of morbidity or futility found in many of today's poets.In the majority of Collins works as presented in this collection, we see that life is pleasant, with wonder in every breath we take and syllable we utter.It is in the living of life that we find ourselves at peace; it is simply in being who and what we are that we find contentment and solace.
When critiquing the poetry of this great poet -- one who served as the Poet Laureate of the United States for two consecutive terms and who is a professor of English at not one, but two colleges, it seems best to remember that he is, after all, human.In point of fact, it is this humanity that endears Billy Collins to his readers: the universality of topic and the poetic vernacular language he utilizes bring the ethereal down to the common man.

A wry flashing
If a poet's service to others is to wipe off our eyes and then join us as we admire the way the smears distort our pet illusions and how the truth still shines through, then Mr Collins has succeeded masterfully.These might be your words when the mind is quiet enough to be allowed to bump along the ceiling like a lost helium balloon, no direction and no fear of seeing the simple, glorious dance all around us.A delightful tickle and cold water on the inside of your face.

Everyday events take new meaning.
A wonderful collection of poems for those on your list to whom you wish to introduce poetry. This collection of poems reads easily with "first-read" understanding and pleasure as they describe those everyday occurances,viewing them with irregular insight. Nothing long, nothing tedius - just glimpses into our lives sure to bring a wry smile to the reader. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The Care and Feeding of Sailing Crew has become the preferred resource for cruising and racing sailors- whether they're planning a weekend afloat or a round-the-world voyage. This unique volume covers every-thingfrom outfitting a galley to organizing meals safelyin rough weather; from controlling seasickness to creat-ingthe right conditions for a well-rested crew.This third edition has been expanded to incorporate new information on nutrition, on waste disposal, and on current methods for handling finances, officialdom, and the paperwork involved in sailing to new countries. New sections cover entertaining on board, feeding vegetarian crew, choosing clothing for sailing offshore, and incorporating modern technology in thegalley. The unique guides to reprovisioning as you voyage and buying wines and liquors around the world have been expanded to include many off-the-beatentrack destinations now attracting intrepid voyagers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

For More than Just 'Round the World Sailors
The Pardeys are well-known for their ability to sail their small, engineless, boat safely around the world with very little of the modern equipment most of the rest of us require. Their suggestions for ways to prepare for a voyage, and to increase your comfort and improve your experience while under way are fascinating. They're also amazingly useful even for those of us who rarely venture out of sight of land.

More than just useful, this book also gives you a vivid glimpse of what living aboard a sailing vessel is like.

I recommend this book if you're interested in life at sea, now or in the past, if you're an armchair sailor, and especially if you're responsible for keeping a family or crew healthy and happy on a vacation, longer race, or coastal delivery. And, of course, it's wonderful for the obvious audience: those who are considering casting off from land and crossing oceans.

Details of cruising life
A wonderful resource for anyone considering ( or actually living )on the water. Lin and Larry share all the tiny bits and pieces of their daily routine that let you feel as if you were living with them.Although it was not written as a how-to, it contains lots of simple recipes and creative insights into the daily management of the ship's provisions and crewI promise you that this is a book that you will keep in your reference library and read again and again.

Excellent Book
Another Great book from the Pardeys.

Could barley put it down long enough to write this review. If your thinking about cruising in a boat, this book is essential to food stores and preperation as well as crew comforts.

Fantastic first hand advise and ideas from cruisers of 40 years.

Read it !!

Right On Target!
"Larry came below shivering and blue-lipped.I got him out of his wet clothes, warmed some freshwater so he could wipe down, and got out his dry clothes.But it wasn't until he had had some hot, solid food that he started to warm up and stop shivering" (p. 357); the real situations experienced during extended cruising and appropriate responses are the focus of this comprehensive book which contains relevant advice on nearly every cruising situation imaginable, with a strong emphasis on how those situations impact the crew.

The authors are professional sailors and have been full-time cruising sailors for over forty years.Their vast experience and precise writing skill enable them to expertly address a wide range of topics, and the book clearly demonstrates their mastery of the care and feeding of sailing crew.

The book is divided into 52 chapters and two indices.Each chapter presents a logged day of a sailing cruise, noting weather and sailing conditions, and covers items which are appropriate to that particular stage of an extended cruise.The concepts are emphasized with enjoyable anecdotes which illustrate the importance of preparation and adaptability.Topics include nearly everything imaginable, ranging from menu planning and food purchase and storage, through cooking methods and preservation techniques, to fishing and keeping the crew well-clothed.The authors' cruising experience ensures the hints are appropriate across a variety of weather and climate conditions.For example, rough-weather food preparation is contrasted with calm-weather cooking using limited galley facilities.The text dispenses with theory and focuses on the reality of small-craft living.

The tone of the book is personal and engaging; the coverage of the topic is masterful and authoritative.Now in its revised 3rd edition, the book is superbly edited and particularly well-balanced.The writing style is accessible and inviting and the material reads like a long letter from a personal friend--albeit a well-spoken friend with indisputably good advice and an incredibly interesting suite of daily experiences.Not only does the book instruct and encourage, it positively portrays cruising and draws the reader into the author's world.

Part adventure book, part how-to guide, part personal history, and part cookbook, the text is fun, creative, and sure to please.Regardless of the reader's level of sailing experience, the book has much to offer and ensures that the care and feeding of sailing crew will not only be possible, but an enjoyable component of future cruising.

Pleasantly surprised!!!
A couple of months ago, I attended a seminar taught by Lin & Larry called Confident Cruising.What a treat to meet this inspiring couple!I have offshore dreams myself and since I know I will be in charge of my own galley, I bought The Care & Feeding of Sailing Crew.I thought it would have a few recipes and hints on how to store food.Little did I know that the book is so much more:You travel with Lin & Larry on a 45 day passage from Japan to Canada and during the passage, Lin teaches you everything you need to know about provisioning, food care & storage, galley layout, cabin care - the list goes on and on.I haven't finished the book yet - I'm with them on day 30.They are eating mostly canned food now but Lin is still preparing great meals!I love Lin's style of writing - you really feel like she's talking to you over a cup of tea.

BUY THIS BOOK!IT'S FANTASTIC! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Set Sail For A Great Read
I bought this book for my mother for Mother's Day, and every time I visit feel the need to thumb through it. I borrowed it on several occasions till finally giving in and buying a copy for myself. It is a magnificent cook book for fans of "Country" food. The "Best brownies in Texas" have become a household staple that I am constantly making. Soups, salads, entrees, this book is just a great thing to have. Pick it up and you will soon be making delicious, simple to make meals.

A Visual History of New England Sailing Ships
This book is a collection of paintings/lithographs of various New England sailing vessels. Each image contains the ship's name, weight and when/where it was built. In many instances the ship's captain and/or owner is identified as well as the painter of the image. Historically significant voyages as well as the ultimate fate of certain ships are also provided.The book has sections on old nautical instruments, together with a brief overview of the New England sailing industry and descriptions of certain ship types. There is also a complete listing of the various artists whose work is contained in the book.

Great for history and sailing buffs alike
Great for anyone with a historical interest in ships.Full of wonderful photos!! ... Read more

Book Description

Gary Jobson shares his expertise for a winning performance in sailboat racing

“The complete guide to racing at its highest level.”

Customer Reviews (7)

Worst sailing book ever
Firstly, I greatly respect the personal and professional achievements of the author. I am at best a mediocre racer. I have been sailing for more than 30 years and have read everything I can get my hands on re the sport. I read every one of these multiple times and always got something new from them.

This book is worthless. Organization is random. Sidebars are mostly irrelevant digressions and the photos with captions have nothing to do with the text. I don't think I learned a single thing from this book except that I should "will" my boat to go faster. Sorry, I also learned that sitting on the rail is a great opportunity to discuss philosophy, family problems or just Zen out.

The advice from this book can be summed up by " to win, sail fast and make few mistakes"I will give this book to anyone who pays shipping.

Buy the Tactics and Trim duo by Gladstone. Infinitely more readable and packed with information on every page.

One of the best I've read
I've been racing sailboats off and on for about 30 years and read numerous books.This is the best compilation of wisdom I have read. There is a pearl in almost every paragraph.It is not for the novice, however, because you often need some background to understand the pearls.It covers virtually every aspect of getting around the race course and doing well.I race a J105 amd am buying one of these for each member of my crew.It is short enough that you don't have to spend a lot of time reading it and has enough information that the entire crew can have it as a reference.Everyone can be on the same page, so to speak.

Outstanding book from beginner to expert in regatta
I praticed sailing since several years and regatta since 1 year.

This book is an outstanding to everybody wanting to improve his or her perrformance on regatta. Gary wrote about all tips he learnt during his career and give you advice on everything. With this book you will learn all the basis to really improve yourself in wind lecture, tactics, start, finish, performance and team management.

This book may be read from beginner to expert. But the best target audience is intermediate or advanced sailors who wants to improve their performance.

For someone you haven't take lessons in regatta and learn by experience, this book will be a great help.

For an expert who already knows about performance and wind lecture,he/she can make huge progress on tactics and team management. Moreover, one can refer to the book whenever one has a problem to solve.

I live in France where there is a long tradition of regatta and famous sailors. In my country, you can find outsanding books in sailing technics, wheather forecast, boat architecture, cruising, small boat regatta, but I haven't found a good regatta book for keel boats. Think about it.

Packed with useful information
I'm new to sailboat racing, having finished my first season of racing on my new boat last year. And I didn't do nearly as well as I should have given my boat.I immediately identified from every chapter things I was doing wrong, at the starts, trimming sails, communication on the boat, and in how I was organizing the crew. I marked specific pages with sticky notes that I especially wanted to refer back to and by the time I was done with the book I must have marked 40 pages.

The book has tons of useful technical information on starts, sail trim, etc. written in a way that is easy to understand. The shaded summaries at the end of many of the sections is helpful as well. But Gary Jobson also goes into how important attitude and practice are to successful sailboat racing. This book could just as easily be an effective business management book (but much more fun to read).

I can't wait to try to apply what I've learned from this book to the upcoming racing season.

Very nice
A very instructive reading for those who looks for a sail teacher who is a natural leader and a national hero, I liked very much. ... Read more