Books for a newbie?

[DuaneIsing]

gstraub,

I certainly don''t pretend that I have developed into a fully competent seaman in my short time (we learn every day, don''t we?), but I agree that developing sound judgement, keeping a clear head in a crisis, and being self-sufficient are far more important skills than mastering the finer points of sail trim.

Being good at the former might save your life.

Duane

[dpboatnut]

As a counterpoint to all the serious sailing tomes you''ll probably end up reading, try "Voyages of the Damn Foole" by Tom McGrath. Originally published serially, it''s a collection of short sailing tales told with a dry wit and with brilliant pen and ink illustrations.

It''s also more of a why than a how book on sailing, with emphasis on just getting it done, as though it were a life requirement, not a mere hobby or some kind of status game.

In my case, it made me want to sail more, and more independently, and therefore learn more. I hope it can do the same for you.

-Chad

[BenD]

May I suggest "Sail Trim and Rig Tuning", or some such title (it''s not in the office with me). Regardless, the author is Ivar Dedekham which should enable you to find it. In over 40 years of sailing, mostly racing, and the occasional class, I have not seen a better illustrated manual. You''ll have to put up with British terms, but once past that, the book is logical and very well illustrated, using text to describe the illustrations, rather than the other way around. The book is suitable for onboard, even cockpit use, printed on a coated, glossy, stock.