Sailing for Dummies [Paperback]

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

Book Description

Series: --for Dummies | Publication Date: May 23, 1997

Sailing has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the world as we know it. But even in today’s high-tech, fast-paced world, the sport of sailing still brings tremendous pleasure to those who choose to indulge in it.

Whether you want to race or just cruise at a leisurely pace, Sailing For Dummies will speed you along your course to sailing mastery. If you’ve never sailed before, here’s the primer you need to get started and choose the right sailing school for you. If you’ve already gotten your feet wet, you’ll now be ready to take your next steps—whether they include sailing around the world, racing, or just safely including your children in the adventure.

A textbook, user’s manual, and reference book all in one, Sailing For Dummies introduces you to the exciting world of sailing, and shows you everything from how to tie the right knots to how you should dress when you take to the seas. Sailing For Dummies gives you practical, easy-to-follow advice from buying the right equipment and gear, and setting sail for the first time to watching races on TV. Inside, you’ll also discover how to:

• Select the best boat to buy or rent for your sailing needs
• Navigate like a pro—day or night—with the help of charts, satellites, and compasses
• Handle mishaps such as torn sails and leaks
• Recover from a capsize, tow a boat, and keep safety a priority
• Understand U.S. federal boating regulations and other rules of the sea
• Find a sailing school that fits your schedule and your budget
• Make sailing fun for the entire family—from toddlers to teens
• Locate the best cruising destinations around the world

Featuring photos, illustrations, and tips Sailing For Dummies can help you tell the difference between a sailboat and a catamaran—and get you sailing in no time!

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.

From the Back Cover

"None of us wants to encounter ‘Dummies’ at sea. Now along come the Islers…. Their book provides an interesting read, easy instruction, and a handy reference work." — Walter Cronkite, CBS Special Correspondent "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 Bumham, Editor, Sailing World Magazine "Its authors are universally respected in sailing, both for their competitive records and their ability to explain its mysteries to land lovers." — Robert Hopkins, Jr., Former U.S. Olympic Coach and America's Cup Navigator

Filled with Diagrams and Illustrations to Help You Get Sailing!

Are you interested in sailing, but think it's too expensive? Have you dreamed of sailing away, but aren't sure about the regulations, etiquette, and proper gear to wear? If you think sailing is only for the rich and famous — think again! Sailing For Dummies^® gives you practical, easy-to-follow advice for everything from buying the right equipment and gear to setting sail for the first time to watching races on TV!

Inside, you'll discover how to:

• Select the best boat to buy or rent for your sailing needs
• Navigate like a pro — day or night — with the help of charts, satellites, and compasses
• Handle mishaps such as torn sails and leaks
• Administer basic first aid and handle an overboard rescue successfully
• Recover from a capsize, tow a boat, and discover other ways to keep safety a priority
• Understand U.S. federal boating regulations and other rules of the sea
• Find a sailing school that fits your schedule and your budget
• Make sailing fun for the entire family — from toddlers to teens
• Locate the best cruising destinations around the world

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (May 23, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076455039X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764550393
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #439,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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.