Essential Sailing: A Beginner's Guide

In this essential introductory guide, noted sailing designer and author Roger Marshall acquaints the beginner with all of the basics-the language of sailing, the equipment choices involved, the safety precautions-needed to get out on the water. He also provides further instruction on "the rules of the road," as well as how (and with what) to navigate, how to read charts, and how to purchase a boat. Beyond recreational sailing, Marshall explains how to get involved in competition and plan an extended cruise. There are also full chapters on the important matters of emergency situations, assessing the weather, and reading flags and buoys. The easy-to-follow instructions in this complete, no-nonsense guide present all the fundamentals needed to get into a boat and sail away-and to enjoy this ever-popular activity.