What''s the best book on sailing for beginners

[RobGallagher]

I liked Sailing for dummies. It gives most of the same information as the other beginer books with a little humor added. A video such as Steve Colgates "Learn to Sail" might also help.

Once you get the basics covered you can move on to Chapmans and others.

[dimwit]

My vote is for Bob Bond: it''s fascinating reading all by itself, and the applicibility never stops. I read and re-read this book over 10 times my first two seasons, and absorbed the practical information like a sponge. What you read today, you can apply on the water tomorrow. It''s the best beginner tome.

[EtherCat]

RobG:

Thats pretty much how I did it... read Chapmans first, and didnt understand a lot of it, then read Sailing for Dummies, and Chapmans made much more sense the second time.

[jonconway]

I''d also vote for Bob Bond''s Handbook of sailing. Superb.

[locrian13]

Handbook of Sailing is the only book I''ve read so far...and I agree, it is a good one. It seems to me it''s much easier to understand if you have at least a working knowledge of a boat...though nothing can replace experience, especially if you''re sailing with someone knowledgeable who doesn''t mind answering a lot of questions.

[alyse]

My first vote goes for Sailing for Dummies. Then Chapman''s. The Dummies book is friendly, informative, and just plain understandable - especially if you''re reading it in the winter

[rrbryce]

i second this vote. I''m reading this book now and it really is well done.

[SHIMSHON]

If still in print, The Glennan Sailing Manual. Try the Armchair Sailor for a copy.

[MadMacMod]

A free begginers primer page from a boat vendor.

http://www.macgregor26.com/how_to_sail.htm

Chapmans is the bible for safety, rules of the road, navigation, how to anchor, etc. but my old version is marginal on sailing technique. Web sites from sail makers seem to have good info on them.