The New Book of Sail Trim (Paperback)

~ Ken Textor (Author, Editor) "Technological advances in sailing seem to get a lot of emphasis these days..." (more)
Key Phrases: America's Cup, Soft Norlam

Editorial Reviews

Review

...it is fair to say that there can hardly be any owner whose sailing would not benefit from these articles. Because each is of modest, 'magazine', length, they form a book into which one can dip when one has ten or fifteen minutes to spare. That makes it easier to assimilate the knowledge and experience that has been presented by so many experts. It is worth its price. -- Practical Boat Owner, March 1996

Here is another collection of articles from the American magazine Sail, and doubly welcome, since that publication is probably seen by only a few British yachtsmen. All the 44 articles relate to the finer points of sail setting, handling and control. Thus there is sound advice on such things as the use of telltales, on sail trim for light airs, on downwind technique, on sailcloth and its maintenance, and so forth. Although much of the content is likely to interest only those who want to win races Accelerated Roll-Tacking is one such item there is plenty here for cruising sailors, relating to both sails and current thoughts on design and material. --Practical Boat Owner, March 1996

Here s a good book to dip into if you spend long hours on the rail. The 44 articles have been culled from the American SAIL magazine and they add up to a valuable source of go-faster tips.

Each piece stands alone in an easily digestible chunk (about four pages), occasionally with a diagram.

The 34 authors include hotshots such as Ed Baird, past laser world champ and coach to the kiwis successful America s Cup bid, Tom Whidden, North Sales supreme and America s Cup sail expert, and Brad Dellenbaugh, top tactician and coach.

Subject areas range from sail trim basics to cruising set-ups to spinnaker handling to modern materials and, closest to Y&Y reader s hearts, racing.

There are some neat ideas here, such as tricks to speed up roll tacking and roll gibing, a controlled gibing technique which keeps the boat going fast. Another good article is on how to spot and use gusts and windshifts, which takes many sailors a considerable time to master and yet offers big-time racing gains.

One of the finer racing pieces is Brad Dellenbaugh s Finding the Upwind Passing Lanes, which promises even with a bad start, you can get back into the race. Brad, you re talking the right language here... After describing favoured side options, passing techniques and layline strategy, Brad sums up by saying: The next time you find yourself somewhere back in the fleet in the cheap seats, don t yell, pout or whine. Get yourself and your crew psyched. Stick to the tactics and guidelines I ve mentioned and start grinding down the competition ahead of you. That s how the top sailors do it.
This tactical advice is all mixed in with sail trim and how to get the best from your boat, which is music to the racing man s ears. Elsewhere in the book, there s some excellent cruising trim advice, plus tips on catching a tow downwind from another boat and getting maximum speed from asymmetrics. --Yachts & Yachting, August 1995

Product Description

From the pages of SAIL Magazine comes a new anthology on the subject of sail trim. Featuring 44 articles that have never before appeared in book form, The New Book of SAIL Trim provides concise, easy-to-understand instruction on every facet of sails and sail handling. Topics include trimming for maximum speed in both light and strong winds, spinnaker handling, roll tacking and jibing, the latest materials, designs and gear, and much more. This is an invaluable collection of tips, ideas, and advice for all sailors, regardless of their level of experience or the size and type of their boat.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Sheridan House (February 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0924486813
• ISBN-13: 978-0924486814
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #213,010 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:

1.0 out of 5 stars Winds of Confusion, March 8, 2005

By	Mike Ferring (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was one of the first books I read about sail trim and I nearly gave up the sport on the spot. Conglomerating clippings from the magazine produced a very uneven book, sometimes conflicting, and frequently pitched to people of widely different experience. One chapter would assume years on the water while the next was aimed at newbies. Avoid this. Of the half dozen books on the subject I've read since, North U's sail trim book was easily the best. I'd suggest buying that instead. (And I'm still sailing.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, August 16, 2007

By	Paul Sikkar (Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book provides information in a summary format... to the point info on sail trim. It is madeup of a number of articles written by experienced sailers with their own beliefs in what is important and what works best. Where else can you get a room full of experts quickly explaining the key to proper sail trim under many different situations?
Good book, but for those with sailing knowledge and experience. Not for the beginner.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars multiple authors, March 18, 2001

By A Customer

Each of the chapters are written by separate authors... some better than others. Overall there are some very good chapters on sail trimming.