Sailing: The Basics: The Book That Has Launched Thousands (Paperback)

~ Dave Franzel (Author) "There is a wide variety of boats you can sail; each type of boat creates its own sailing experience..." (more)
Key Phrases: reducing weather helm, upwind destination, controlled jibe, Murphy's Law, Coast Guard, Nubble Channel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With SAILING, acclaimed teacher and racer Dave Franzel moves you quickly from book to boat. It is his firm conviction that the best and most effective way to learn to sail is to be out on the water. Accordingly, he treats the theory of sailing in a straightforward, no-nonsense fashion--just the way he's done so successfully for years at his Boston Sailing Center. The essential information in this book is comprehensive, effectively reinforced, and clarified with more than 100 excellent line drawings.
SAILING is exactly what it says it is. After studying this book, you'll understand the fundamental concepts well enough to be confident of your abilities when you board your boat for the first time. You'll learn how to sail on and off moorings and docks, how to trim the sail, and how to balance the boat properly. You will be introduced to the rules of the road, anchoring, navigation, spinnaker sailing, heavy-weather sailing, and basic seamanship. In short, you'll have all the keys to a successful, fun, and safe time under sail. Pleasant sailing!

From the Back Cover

Here is all you'll need for the confidence to sail, from acclaimed instructor and decades-long sailor Dave Franzel. Founder and director of the Boston Sailing Center, Franzel has been teaching men, women, and children how to sail for some thirty-five years using this no-nonsense, direct approach designed to get the beginner quickly from book to boat. He believes that the best and most effective way to learn to sail is to be out on the water. He's pared and trimmed superfluous information and distilled the rest into the most economical, straightforward approach possible. It's worked for thousands of his students and now it can work for you.
Inside you will find information on: getting started; wind and points of sail; sail trim and balance; tides and currents; anchoring; navigation; spinnaker sailing; heavy-weather sailing and much more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585748072
• ISBN-13: 978-1585748075
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,183 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro to sailing!, January 26, 2009

By	S. Dana "Sailor Steve" (Texas (prev RI)) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Great book - covers all the basics and is enough to get you to the point where you would feel comfortable taking some lessons. Even if you've already sailed before, it's a great "refresher" course on the basics of sailing and the "rules of the road."

I first found this book at the library but I liked it so much, I bought it so I could go over it with my family as often as I wish...

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book beginner through advanced, March 14, 2010

By	C. Lawie - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I used this book to learn how to sail about 6 years ago.

After sailing thousands of miles, including a trans-Atlantic passage I still look back to this book as a reference.

Highly recommended for the beginner.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift, September 24, 2009

By	D. K. Ernst (Montana, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this as a gift and the recipient said it was perfect for a beginner sailor. He's very happy with the book.