Sailing Fundamentals

The official learn-to-sail manual of the American Sailing Association and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, with over 150 line drawings and photographs. Written by America’s foremost instructional authority, the new edition of Sailing Fundamentals combines the training programs of the American Sailing Association and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The official learn-to-sail manual of the American Sailing Association, it is also used in the programs of many yacht clubs, colleges, and sailing groups. Unlike most introductory sailing books, which reflect the biases and idiosyncrasies of their authors, Sailing Fundamentals has been extensively pretested by ASA professional instructors to ensure that it offers the fastest, easiest, most systematic way to learn basic sailing and basic coastal cruising. This book covers every aspect of beginning sailing—from hoisting sail to docking and anchoring—and specifically prepares the learner to qualify for sailing certification according to international standards. Widely acclaimed author Gary Jobson has won several major races, including the 1977 America’s Cup victory as tactician aboard Courageous. He was head sailing coach at the US Naval Academy, and has conducted sailing clinics across the country.

Quickly and easily master the sailing fundamentals you'll need to get out on the water.

Written to complement the ASA's teaching methods, Cruising Fundamentals addresses small-boat daysailors who wish to move on to overnight cruising in a larger boat-one more than 27 feet long. The book leads the reader through five progressively more advanced levels of boat handling, each divided into sections covering knowledge and techniques that can be learned ashore and those best learned underway. A chapter called "Sailing the Cruising Yacht, " for example, presents important information on readying the boat for sail, VHF radio protocol, and right-of-way rules before examining such topics as heaving-to and steering a compass course. This effective and logical progression makes the book a great learning tool not just for those graduating from smaller to larger sailboats or from daysailing to cruising, but for inactive sailors needing a refresher and for anyone planning bareboat charter. The volume includes material on all aspects of piloting, maneuvering under power, managing the galley, diesel maintenance, passagemaking, and anchoring.

Sailing Made Easy is the first step in a voyage that will last you the rest of your life. It is a gift from a group of dedicated sailing professionals who have committed their lives to sharing their art, their skill, and their passion for this wonderful activity. This book, which Sailing Magazine called "best in class" upon its release in 2010, is the most comprehensive education and boating safety learn-to-sail guide to date. It is also the official textbook for the ASA Basic Keelboat Standard (ASA 101). Incorporated in the textbook are useful illustrations and exceptional photographs of complex sailing concepts. The text’s most distinguishing feature is its user friendly "spreads" in which instructional topics are self-contained on opposing pages throughout the book. There are also chapter end quizzes and a glossary to help those new to sailing to navigate their way through the extensive nautical terminology.

Removes the mystery of sailing and reduces sailing techniques to basic, simple principles.

Whether you are a novice or a sailor looking to expand your skills, this indispensable sailing companion will guide you every step of the way. A compact, easy-to-carry reference book, DK’s Sailing Essentials is packed with all the essential information for practical sailors or just anyone who is interested in the topic. Start with the introductory section on comfort and safety to remind or familiarize yourself with the equipment on board and some basic knowledge, such as when to sail and what to wear. The following sections are full of practical advice on every aspect of sailing, from basic maneuvers to dealing with difficult weather conditions. There is also guidance on maintenance and repairs to ensure you know how to keep your boat in good shape, as well as clear instructions about tying a perfect figure-of-eight and other knots... and much, much more! Sailing Essentials is perfect as a skipper's back-up manual or a quick reference guide for novice sailors. You won't want to set sail without it.