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This is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to get a better grasp on sailing basics. I've been sailing for two years now, and I found that I was learning a lot -- or finding that I was gaining a clearer picture of concepts I already understood. The language is down to earth and accessible, and the illustrations are whimsical and very fun. I also give this book credit for having one of the clearest eye-splice directions and illustrations out of any book I've read so far. I wouldn't reccomend
I bought this book for research purposes. A really great reference book. It has a lot of illustrations, which makes things easier to understand for someone who is trying to grasp the basics of sailing. Seems like this would be good for either a beginner or seasoned sailor. Much easier to understand than Sailing for Dummies.
I was given this book by my boyfriend who has been sailing his whole life. I probably would have given this more stars if I had a boat to apply what I learned. It was, however, easy to understand for someone who knew absolutely nothing about sailing. Also I did notice that after I read this book I was able to better comprehend my boyfriend's family's sailing stories.
Pros: A great introduction to sailing, enough to jumpstart your knowledge. The illustrations are great and give the book a handcraft feel.Cons: The book could easily be international but makes brief references to the USA geography and weather patterns, sometimes not disclosing that its talking about the USA. It could easily use international metric system along the imperial one.
Excellent single source for sailing knowledge, covering every imaginable topic. Made even better by the excellent illustrations, which are whimsical yet quite educational.
A difficult read. This reads like a textbook. There's a whole lot of new boat terminology in sailing, even for those of us who are retired Navy. This book covers just about everything you'll want to know about sailing. It starts with the basics- the left side of the boat is port. It then goes through intermediate knowledge (wind speed is interesting but not that useful, wind pressure is crucial). Then into the hard stuff (jibing with a spinnaker? Seriously?? I thought cruel and unusual punishmen...
Lots of small insights and invaluable learnings. A few chapters (trailer sailing etc.) not so applicable that left me feeling lost. Otherwise glad I read.
Many of my fondest childhood memories took place on the ocean. I've always found it soothing, and it's difficult for me to think a more beautiful scene in nature than a calm ocean sunset. In the hopes of keeping the ocean a part of my life, I read this book to introduce myself to the world of sailing.I really enjoyed reading this book. It is much like a sailing "textbook" in that it provides enough technical knowledge and detail that, after some studying, would be enough for the reader to get st...
When I consider how many other books I have given five stars, I feel remiss giving this one only four. Because if I need to recommend to a beginner what book will teach him or her to sail, this is the book. It is solid and simple, immediately comprehensible and clearly illustrated. It also enough for all but the most advanced sailor.It's also a friendly book one that welcomes neophytes and doesn't act as if sailing is either a religion or a strictly empirical exercise. Sailing, in fact, is somet...
A very good resource! I don__t think you can really learn sailing from a book, but if you could, this would be the one. Actually the illustrator (Kelly Mulford) deserves as much credit as the author (David Seidman), for illustrations that illuminate and clarify__and thankfully putting individual aspects of sailing on the same page, so you don__t have to go thumbing through the book to find what you need.If I were to make any additions, it would be a glossary (seemingly a thing of the past in man...
A great beginner's book about sailing. Line drawings and sketches that a child could understand, but they are very professionally drawn, complete, and pleasing to look at. Most of my questions were answered right there. It is well-written, at times even poetic. This guy really loves sailing and boats. A friend is going to start teaching me this weekend, and I can't wait to learn how to sail! I feel like I have as much as I need to get started from this book alone. (I read several others, this is...
David & Kelly (the illustrator) provide an excellent introduction to sailing in an organized, cover to cover readable way. It does well to brief on broad topics, allowing you to know that practical experience is needed before the next steps. It helps one 'know what they don't know.' I have dog-eared some pages as good references and will most likely refer to others when needed.It also has some memorable sayings and fun quotes!
I think this is a classic book of beginner's sailing instruction. It's quite easy to follow and to understand, with excellent, clear, cartoon-like illustrations (very effective, in my opinion). Though aimed at beginning sailors, possibly at rather young sailors in fact, it dives right in and introduces all the nomenclature and parts of a boat, how to sail at all points of the wind, and so on. Highly recommended.
This is a decent book with great diagrams. What I would have liked to see which would have greatly improved the book was a glossary of terms. I found that the author often defined a sailing term once and then the reader was expected to remember that word from that point on, which was very frustrating for a book that's supposed to be for new sailors. I didn't dislike it, really; I would ideally like to give it 2 1/2 stars.
I received this book after taking a sailing class. I have not actually read through the entire book from beginning to end, but have found it to be a great resource and something I often refer to before going sailing when it's been a while since my last trip. A great book that I will keep on my shelf for many years to come.
Note that my rating is based on a single read through, and without going on a boat yet. There were parts I definitely enjoyed and found interesting, but it was also difficult to slog through jargon, not all of which was well explained. I think it would be better both to go between boat and the book some, and to do multiple read throughs.
Great introduction to the art of sailing. I'm just starting out, but this is both a good read and a good reference, so I expect to return to it many times in the years to come.I especially appreciated the drawings, which simply and clearly explain difficult concepts and terminology.
Everything you need to know. A good first book about sailing. But, this is not a textbook ONLY. It is fun to read and also show the philosophy of traditional sailing. It's not about being the smartest or fastest in the competitions. It's about joy and having fun while staying safe on the sea.
I got this book because I had started sailing by trial and error, and I wanted to find out what I was doing right, and what I should do differently. What a gem of a book. This is a thin book, but the amount of clear and simple detailed information is incredible.
Excellent intro to sailing with lots of great illustrations. A lot of good information.
Nice primer
Cute but very helpful illustrations, clear explanations of just about everything that seemed complicated before reading, and confirmation of stuff I thought I knew
Essential reading for anyone interested in sailing both as a sport, as a hobby or as a spiritual path. Maybe too focused on a north-american audience, but 5 stars anyway.
This is a great book for an introduction to sailing- the standard issue manual for Seattle's Center for Wooden Boats SAILNOW program.