Best books for total beginners

[hoppy]

Two quick questions that don't have any definitive answer.

I've just started living on my boat and I sail it solo. I couldn't imagine living on a boat much smaller and it's only hassles involved in trading up, the need to redo all the upgrades I've been doing and money which is why I would not go bigger.

Other people will suggest a boat size for two that is significantly smaller than what I have.

The fact is, regardless of years of experience some people will feel confident and comfortable with a size that others would not.

You need to get out and sail and after sailing on training boats and crewing on other peoples boats, you will get the feel for what size fits you best.

Don't listen to what size anyone says until you have enough experience to be able to rationalise other people's arguments and make your own judgement.

FWI I live on 40ft and would consider 50 for myself, but that's just me.


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[mrohr]

[QUOTE=Cap Erict3;1853384]I am a big believer in getting blown onto a lee shore, experiencing unplanned gybes and turning turtle before you spend much time reading.

Get out and sail a punt on a pond before dreaming of big water.

My starter book?

http://www.bookfeeder.com/pdfbook/th...ing-manual.pdf

To all wannabees: If you follow the advice above (get a small sailing dingy or some such and get wet) and read ONlY the Gleanans Sailing Manual recommended above you will be more knowledgeable and experienced than the majority of boat owners who have read all of the other books suggested. Yes, the other suggestions are fine reading and relevant to boat ownership but if you never learn how to walk you will never be able to run.

…………….luv you all…………………..mike………………………………………………………………...

[JacquesLize]

Thank you all for your replies. We appreciate it. It has helped allot.

We are going to go on a sailing course very soon and then take it from there.




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[Neanderthalman]

Hi there Jacques/Lize

Myself and my girlfriend are in the same (South African) boat as you (excuse the pun).

I've also spoken to a few sailors and read up on the internet etc. Best is to get sailing. We're just waiting for spring to arrive before we do our first course. We're planning to do some sailing with friends in Sept. Our goal date to cross our first ocean is only end 2017.

We're based in Gauteng, where are you guys based?

[SonicMidAdult]

I am a big believer in getting blown onto a lee shore, experiencing unplanned gybes and turning turtle before you spend much time reading.

Get out and sail a punt on a pond before dreaming of big water.

I dont think that anyone would disagree with that. The only concern that I am sure that a lot of people have is that in the years leading up to extended cruising people are spending 80 hours a week at work, trying to make it financially feasible. I think that it would be good, once through with work, to relocate to a sailing centric place, and fast track the pond dinghy to big water course. Otherwise, unless you are very young and independently wealthy, its just not gonna happen.

[dannc]

Originally Posted by dannc

....
After reading "Heavy Weather Avoidance", read both of the books that the Dashews are giving away for free, http://www.setsail.com/free-books/.
...

The "Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia" by the Dashew would be good to get as well. You can get this off the Set Sail website mentioned above.
...
Have Fun,
Dan

The Dashew's are having a sail, err, sale on their hard bound books. They are selling, while supplies last, all four books that used to cost $300, for $60. You can get two of the books as ebooks for free, but for the price, it is well worth all four.

SetSail » Blog Archive » Once In A Blue Moon Deal – Only for SetSailors

They do not ship outside of the US, but other CF members have said there are companies that will accept the books and ship overseas.

I already had two of the physical books and the ebooks but I bought the package and it arrived in a couple of days.

Later,
Dan

[Cap Erict3]

Originally Posted by SonicMidAdult

I dont think that anyone would disagree with that. The only concern that I am sure that a lot of people have is that in the years leading up to extended cruising people are spending 80 hours a week at work, trying to make it financially feasible. I think that it would be good, once through with work, to relocate to a sailing centric place, and fast track the pond dinghy to big water course. Otherwise, unless you are very young and independently wealthy, its just not gonna happen.

Watching a movie or reading a book will not give one a taste of sailing any more than a picture of a bowl of turtle soup will have the true flavor.

Not everyone will be excited about traveling 6 miles per hour. Why spend lots of time and money getting ready when it is very easy to just go. Rent, borrow or tag along. Just sail.

Learning to sail has nothing to do with cruising or passage making or reading books.

Not at first anyway. IMHO




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Looking for another pretty place to work on the boat.

[JacquesLize]

Thanks for all the advice. We've done our first course. It was wonderful and enjoyed it allot. Now we will be sailing as often as possible. Been reading Cruising for Cowards. It's been entertaining and given us some good info on various subjects. But I do agree with what is said that you should go sailing. Books can only say so much but experience gives you what you need.


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