Customer Reviews

Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Started Sailing

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a great, easy-to-read book of sailors' "lessons learned," written by a man with much more experience at sea than most of us will ever have. It is not a book intended to teach you how to sail, but one with the intent of telling you how to avoid problems, both on and off the water. It is organized alphabetically, by subject, and the end of the book includes many useful tables, formulas, etc., that you might not easily find anywhere else. It covers various preventive techniques, ways to correct problems if they do occur, and things that merchants and repairmen might never tell you unless you know to ask. I also like that this book includes a fair amount of humor, and that the subjects covered are not all purely technical. Vigor goes so far as to address the phenomenon of "hearing voices" at sea, various superstitions, and even how to rename a boat in a way that doesn't cause it to become unlucky. This is a great little book and is well worth the price

This is an alphabetical listing of boat issues, common misconceptions, followed by the authors opinion on the issue.
He is clearly knowledgeable, but each area is so short you don't get the full benefit. I found myself reading them and thinking, I wish he would have said more about this.

If you think a serious approach is inherent in a book like John Vigor's Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Started Sailing, think again: there's no orthodoxy to sailing, and plenty of truths to tell - and Vigor reveals them in 200 entries which blend humor with solid practical advice. From knowing what kind of documentation is needed to sail into foreign waters to renaming or repainting a boat, Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Started Sailing avoids many pitfalls.

This is a strange book. Vigor has collected about 200 "observations" on sailing, each one a short item of a page or less in length. Each one is amusing, but it is not primarily a humorous book, although you might get that idea from the cover illustration.

The information is sound and contains many useful tips about many aspects of sailing, but the book is also not really intended as a "serious" guidebook.

It reads like a collection of short magazine articles that were written over a period of time, probably whilst actually cruising, and probably inspired by whatever he had been doing that day. This is not bad, but it is quirky. The title is a bit odd too, as you might reasonably think it is information intended for beginning sailors or landlubbers thinking about sailing, and that's not at all right. It is the sort of information that would be most of interest or humorous to those who already have some sailing experience.

I gave it 4 stars as there is nothing really wrong with the book, but it was not quite what I was expecting. Having read it I wouldn't read it a second time and I'll probably give it away or sell it second hand.

This book is such a complete hoot; also it's full of helpful insights into all the things I wanted to know but was too stupid to ask! It's such a fun to read book that I even read the sections about the stuff I (thought) I already knew - and I'll do it again too. Mr Vigor's writing style is just so friendly and understandable, that it's a pleasure to read and learn from.

In short, you won't regret having purchased this book - it's affordable and fun.

This is a fun book. The cover does it justice. If you've ever had the misfortune to get wrapped up in the expensive world of boating, this will bring both knowedge and laughter. John Vigor does an excellent job of conveying both his love of this pasttime, and the lessons he's learned over the years.

This book contained lots of helpful hints for the new sailor in a humorous way. Easy and fun to read!

This one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. John Vigor is not only definitive he is very funny. I found his insight and advice to be applicable to many other pursuits as well.

I would love to sail a 12' to 16' on inland lakes in Michigan. I can affoard a used one or even build one, but sailing it is a bit intimidating. MOST books on sailing are full of terms and instructions beyond a non-sailors initial grasp.

I have purchased and read no less 14 books on sailing and building a boat. John Vigor's is absolutely the best.

I am going to find more of his writings. If you haven't read this author, get ready for a treat.

John Vigor does not go into any great length discussing numerous sailing issues and topics, but rather gives concise information on many aspects of value to the novice and many seasoned sailors. Topics are presented in a humorous but insightful manner. Vigor gets immediately to the point without wasting words and points out in sailing there are often various acceptable solutions to problems with no single solution being the best; he describes what has been time tested and has worked for him over the years. This is an easy read and one can pick up the volume and start reading at any point. While the reader might be familiar with many of the recommendations presented, if he or she benefits from simply a couple pointers, then this book is well worth its purchase price.

This book was recommended by a friend in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I have just started shopping for a cruising sail boat. This book is a good education and introduction into what you need to know about boats and sailing. It will also be a good reference when I am sailing in my new boat.