classes

[chaplin14]

Im a novice theres no definitve book that
breaks down the classes etc to the novice
on the street
I would like a book giving specs etc to help
me , anybody know of a good guide at a good price?
email chumphreys@btinternet.com
maybe you could help with a webiste

[paulk]

There are so many classes of boat that it gets silly to try to discuss them all. Different harbors have different conditions or histories that make one class preferable over another. Scows are raced extensively in the Central U.S., but are not found much on the coasts, for example. Books on the subject often include classes that may not be poplular where you are, and so are of little use. A good place to see an overview of different classes that are currently popular in North America is in the series of Harken ads that appear regularly in a variety of sailing magazines. They include a little information on each design, and often a number to contact for more details. Before setting your heart on a particular design though, check to see what people sail near where you are. You don''t want to be the only one with a scow on the Maine coast, (the water''s too cold for those low-freeboard centerboarders) or the only one without one on your local lake in Wisconsin. Smooth sailing!

[lamontj]

Try "The Field Guide to Sailboats". Can''t think of the author off the top of my head.

Regards,

Jeff