Sailing For Dummies [Paperback]

J. J. Isler (Author), Peter Isler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 6, 2006

Interested in learning to sail but feel like you’re navigating in murky waters? Sailing for Dummies, Second Edition introduces the basics of sailing, looks at the different types of sailboats and their basic parts, and teaches you everything you need to know before you leave the dock.

In Sailing for Dummies, Second Edition, two U.S. sailing champions show you how to:

• Find and choose a sailing school
• Use life jackets correctly
• Tie ten nautical knots
• Handle sailing emergencies (such as capsizing and rescuing a man overboard)
• Launch your boat from a trailer, ramp, or beach
• Get your boat from point A to point B (and back again)
• Predict and respond to water and wind conditions
• Read charts, plot your course, use a compass, and find your position at sea

Sailing for Dummies shows you that getting out on the water is easier than you think. The authors keep the sailor-speak to a minimum where possible, but give you a grasp of the terminology you need to safely and effectively communicate with your crew. A textbook, user’s manual, and reference all in one, this book takes the intimidation out of sailing and gives you the skills and confidence you need to get your feet wet and become the sailing pro you’ve always wanted to be. Anchors away!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Attention landlubbers: If you don't know your port from your starboard, tacking from jibing, then you need to experience clear sailing with the Dummies. With the usual cargo of good humor and demystifying tone, this mast in the Dummies armada lifts the fog on confusing nautical language, teaches the basics about maneuvering a sailboat from dock to open ocean, floats important safety information, and offers advice and info on a variety of related issues (knots, racing, sailboards, how to buy a sailboat). Whether you want to learn to sail or just talk like a sailor, Sailing for Dummies is your anchor to life on the water. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Covers the latest advances in electronic navigation

Get the know-how you need to sail safely and have fun

Want to sail into the sunset but don't know port from starboard? Don't worry! Now updated with the latest on boats, gear, and racing, this hands-on guide helps you chart a course to sailing success, from getting familiar with nautical terms and seamanship basics to setting sail, navigating, anchoring, and docking — even riding out a storm.

• Get your feet wet at a sailing school
• Launch a boat and maneuver under sail
• Navigate, anchor, and dock
• Charter a boat or enter races
• Choose and care for a boat

Praise for Sailing For Dummies

"Provides an interesting read, easy instruction, and a handy reference work."
—Walter Cronkite

"Peter and JJ's enthusiasm for the thrill and fun of sailing brings the comprehensive guide to life in every chapter. Whether you're a novice or several years into this fascinating sport, the Islers' knowledge and insight will speed you along your course to sailing mastery."
—John Burnham, Editor of Cruising World magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 2 edition (June 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471791431
• ISBN-13: 978-0471791430
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing
  • #47 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Water Sports

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative and entertaining summary of sailing!!, August 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sailing for Dummies (Paperback)

As a novice sailor, I found this book to contain an introduction to everything I needed to know about sailing. The Isler couple, both world class sailors, spice up the material with personal amusing anecdotes of their sailing experiences (and occasional mishaps). Plenty of illustrations add to the book's educational value. I can't imagine a better intro book to the subject.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sailing for Dummies, January 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Sailing for Dummies (Paperback)

This is an excellent sailing textbook - as the cover states it's "A Reference for the Rest of Us!" That is, it can be used as a beginner's book and then kept for use as a reference manual. I have read and re-read this book several times and each time I re-read it, something I didn't understand or fully comprehend "jumps out at me" and I become a better sailor because of the information contained within and imparted by this book.
Also, some people know their subject but are unable to teach others what they know. Both JJ and Peter not only know their subject, sailing, but are also very adept at transferring that knowledge to their readers, sailors and wannabe sailors!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brief and to the point, yet complete and thorough ....., April 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sailing for Dummies (Paperback)

What a refreshing concept! This book takes the best of all other instructional sailing books and presents just the right amount of information organized in a logical manner. At the same time, it gives details (in all possible areas related to sailing) when and where appropriate. The writing style of the Islers is also to be commended. It makes for an enjoyable read. After all, that's what most of us want out of sailing.