Modern Commercial Sailing Ship Fundamentals

Initially created as a course curriculum for classes in sail vessel operations at the Maine Maritime Academy, this work has been developed to provide a firm foundation for men and women working toward earning U.S. Coast Guard licenses to operate auxiliary-powered sailing yachts and vessels. The book addresses seamanship aboard sailing vessels, relevant hydrodynamic and aerodynamic theory, basic and advanced sailing maneuvers, planning and managing for crew and vessel safety, meteorology for sailors, heavy-weather sailing, emergencies at sea, and vessel administration as related to Coast Guard rules and regulations. Designed to accompany the sailor as a study guide and point of reference, the work, in both theory and practice, calls attention to the myriad constant and critical elements of professional yacht and vessel management.

Written by America's foremost instructional authority, the new edition of SAILING FUNDAMENTALS is widely recognized as the official 'learn-to-sail manual' of the American Sailing Association (ASA) - and used in the training programs of many yacht clubs, colleges, and sailing groups, including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary nationwide. While most introductory sailing books reflect the biases and idiosyncrasies of their authors, SAILING FUNDAMENTALS is extensively pretested by ASA professional instructors to ensure it offers only the fastest, easiest, most systematic ways to learn basic sailing and coastal cruising. This invaluable guide covers every aspect of beginning sailing-from hoisting sail to docking and anchoring - and specifically prepares readers to qualify for sailing certification according to international standards.