Customer Reviews

The Chinese Sailing Rig - Design and Build Your Own Junk Rig

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book as soon as it came back into print. I was eager to read it because I have seen a lot of references to it, but was never able to find it anywhere. I own Hassler's 'Practical Junk Rig' as well. Hassler and McLeod are a bit overly meticulous in their description of the rig. Darek Van Loan greatly simplifies the matter. The methodical approach of Hassler and McLeod can intimidate. Derek Van Loan approaches it from a 'just do it' perspective. He makes it clear that your effort might not produce a perfect Junk sail on your first effort, but it will almost certainly work. Perfection comes with being persistent.

Jen

I ordered this book for my father, and he tells me it's everything he's looked for with regard to Chinese Junks. Now he wants to get a hull and start sailing!

I bought this book to expand my library of boat construction books. After reading it, looking carefully at the advice given (of which there is very little) I find the book lacking in all respects. No, it is not a detailed how-to, nor was I expecting it to be. A book with the words 'design' and 'build' in the title is expected to have and give some guidelines on which to proceed, this ones advice can be summarized, as 'Oh, what the hey, just do it!'. Not exactly what you want if you are about to spend thousands of dollars on a project on which your life may be at risk if it is done wrong.

At best this book is no more than an extended magazine 'cheerleading' article. I honestly advise others to save their money and search further for a source of useful information on building a junk rig.

The third, updated edition of the classic guide for Chinese sailing rigs offers a fine survey for Western sailors who wish to 'junk rig' any hull. Words and drawings outline basic details used in the Orient, but provide adaptation to Western materials and techniques. Boat builder/designers receive a fine and concise survey of how to adapt the Chinese rig concept to Western hulls in this update of an original 1981 best-selling survey.

The book is directed to the DIY builder and contanins numerous handy solutions. Moreover it gives an idea how the Junk rig works.