Customer Reviews

Sailing: The Basics: The Book That Has Launched Thousands

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Contrary to the other reviews, I don't agree that this is "what you need to know if you don't know anything about sailing". As an example, in Chapter 1 page 13 after a brief comparison of "centerboard" or "keel" boats and a very brief touch on "rigging", the author starts to talk about how to go about "bending on the sails".
Without as much as a description or definition of the terms, he says:

"To rig the mainsail, first find the clew of the sail and, clew first, feed the foot boltrope into the groove in the boom. Attach the tack cringle (grommet or hole) to the appropriate fitting on the gooseneck (the place where the boom joins the mast), then attach the outhaul to the clew cringle and tighten it. Run your hands along the luff from the tack to the head to ensure that it is not twisted, then attach the main halyard to the head of the sail and feed the luff rope into the groove in the mast. As you do this, pull the other end of the halyard and secure it so the first couple of feet of luff rope stay in the mast groove. Insert the battens into their pockets."

Good luck with that, and good sailing.

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...

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.

I'm not new in sailing, but bought the book because I'm moving from my native language to English (as you can see I'm still learning the later), and need to know the English expressions in sailing world. I was pleasantly surprised how much knowledge is packed in a such a tiny volume. The language is not complicated and every beginner can learn a lot. As a matter of fact, I just bought a second copy as a present for my friend, who started to sail with me and is eager to know more about the topic.

an excellent book for the beginner sailor getting ready to step off the dock. Very technical. Found myself reading over things twice to absorb it. Be patient with yourself as you read and the lightbulb will go off over your head.

... what you need to know if you don't know anything about sailing. All the basics and easy to understand. Buy it as a primer, keep it as a reference.

My husband and I bought a sail boat earlier this year, so I bought him this book for Christmas. He absolutely loves it. He's been sailing his whole life but he said he's learned more in the first 2 chapters than he would have thought possible. Great book! Highly recommended!! Thank you Amazon for selling it.

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

This was the book that sailed a thousand boats and I am sure its correct. A very helpful and well explained book about sailing. The best one I have read.

Comprehensive, detailed and a super guide for a beginer. All interested in learning how to sail should read this book.