Customer Reviews

The Rules in Practice/1989-1992 (Sail to Win)

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

 

 

I grew up in a sailing club that was really into the rules of racing and I can always remember the mini-dramas after the race while the race committee was deliberating protests. Rule books and those cute little plastic models were all part of the action. Fast forward to last summer and 30 years away from small boat racing. I had forgotten more rules than I remembered and was obviously out of date on the advances and changes in the rules. The club is not as much into the rules as it used to be, but this was a great book to help me get back on the water and stay out of hot water. If only I had bought the book BEFORE week one of sailing, I might have saved the bow a bit of fiberglass.

I bought this book new in April of 2009 for $23.51, delivered. There is no need to get a new copy.

It is a different twist on the rules, looking at a situation or incident and reviewing the applicable rules. It is very useful to have the rules in context this way. He can show how different rules come into play at different points in the situation, so you know what you have to be watching to know which one applies at each moment.

He goes through each scenario in detail from each boat's point of view, citing applicable rules at each point in the sequence, and detailing each boat's responsibilities and options.

Illustrations and the writing are clear and understandable. Even with all the detail, it is only 92 pages, plus the free included rules section. In contrast, the classic by Dave Perry, "Understanding the RRS," is 250 pp. plus the rules. (That is a great book, too.) This one is quicker, easier, with a higher ratio of pictures.

This book is easily the best guide to the rules. It breaks the rules down into chunks so its clear and easy to read. It also lists the rules in full at the back so you get 2 books for the price on one. result.

This book is top notch. It is up to date and has great graphics that explain many different situations you will see on the race course. Highly recomended for anyone who is learning to race sailboats.

I don't sail on the water, but in a computer sailing simulator. I find myself in tight spots from time to time and this book helps me to know what my options and responsibilities are, because even tho it is a simulation the other sailors expect you to observe the basic rules, at least. The book has clear illustrations and clearer explanations of 'right of way' rules than i have found on the internet or in other sources. Maybe not the 'do all, end all' for hard core drivers, but great help to a beginner.... me.

The idea for this book is excellent, but if you are interested in learning the racing rules, you are probably interested in the rules as they apply now, not when this book was published. Prospective purchasers need to be aware that the edition shown and offered here applies to the racing rules for the period 1985 to 1988 (this is shown in fine print on the cover). This book is obsolete and is of historical interest only. The rules are revised every 4 years. The current edition (not the edition offered here) applies to the rules for the years 2005 to 2008.