Sailing - A Practical Handbook

Sailing is an exhilarating, demanding and hugely enjoyable pursuit. The basics can be learned within days; fro there a lifetime's worth of experience awaits.

The first section, Dinghy Basics, looks at getting started on small open boats: where to learn, clothing and equipment; where and when to sail, and getting to know your boat and its components. Once in the water, the section on Dinghy Sailing Techniques and Catamaran Sailing Techniques teach you how to handle single- and double-hulled rigs successfully. The core techniques - launching, rigging, tacking, gybing, capsize and rescue, and more - are all clearly explained and illustrated.

Racing and Regatta Sailing is directed at sailors wanting to move on to more advanced, high-performance dinghies and catamarans, and includes information about racing at both club and national levels. The gallery section on Dinghy and Catamaran Classes provides a guide to a selection of the most popular dinghy and catamaran types found today.

Keelboat Basics and Keelboat Sailing Techniques and Classes enters the realm of big boats: how to sail them, how to cruise on them, and how to race them. An in-depth look includes a visual gallery of both cruising and racing yachts, and a guide to classic racing events.

An emphasis on the practical, with clear step-by-step photography and text, makes this book an essential guide for both beginners and experienced sailors.

About the Author

Jeremy Evans, the author, is a yachting and action sports journalist of many years standing. He is a regular contributor to Yachts & Yachting, and in the past has edited top magazines on sailing, windsurfing and powerkiting. He has also written and produced books on a variety of pursuits that include windsurfing, cycling, mountain-biking, canoeing, skiing, surfing and, of course, sailing. Jeremy has sailed and raced many different yachts and dinghies.