Best Book for a Solid Intro to Sailing?

[Green23]

I've heard the names of a few good books to start with, but I thought I'd sorta poll you guys and see what is the most recommended.

What book would you suggest for a solid introduction into sailing?

[Irwin325]

I will probably be chastized for my book suggetion but a few years ago when I first got the sailing/cruising bug I bought Hobie cat for next to nothing and read front to back in a day "sailng for dumbies". I bought the boat and the book to see if I had what it took to be a sailor and if I liked it at all, being I live for know in West Texas and only had small lakes to practice on. The book did the trick as far as learing the basics without putting alot of things about ocean sailing as compaired to bay or inland sailing in my head that to be honest would have only confused me at that time.
I have been reading more about sailing ever since and after learning the basics the other books started making more and more sinse to me. I bought a 32' sloop almost a year ago and just keep reading, sailing and learning and will be heading out for the Bahamas in about a year.

[Green23]

I cant speak for this book in particular, but with regards to "for dummies" books, they're generally pretty good. I've read a couple of them (on different topics) in my life, and yeah, they tend to put all the relevant information in there that one would need. I'm sure that's a decent starting point.

[Irwin325]

If your wanting more info on the cruising side, not the actual sailing part I would recomend anything from the Pardeys. For a good read also check out Captain Fatty Gooodlander books.
Note that I have only read a couple Pardey books and they are the sailing gurus. I dont want to say they dont give a good how to, but the books I've read were not a direct how to book.

[Ziggy]

I recommend the Annapolis Book of Seamanship, by John Rousmaniere.

[SkiprJohn]

You'll get a lot of advice on that question. If you are beginning sailor and want to learn basic sailing skills then "Start Sailing Right!" but if you want an overall guide then "Royce's Sailing Illustrated." I agree with Ziggy if you have some extra cash that's a good recommendation. Another big glossy is "Chapman Piloting Seamanship & Small Boat Handling."
Regards,

[svquest2]

I recommend the "Glenans Sailing Manual" by Phillipe Harle', origanally written in French and translated into English. It was copyrighted in the early 60's and is centered on small boat sailing. I have used it as a text when I taught sailing. There are many many others but I always go back to that one.

It may be available in your local library, but it was printed in Great Britain and distributed through John de Graff, Inc in New York.

Good Luck

Joe S

[GordMay]

The “Annapolis Book of Seamanship” belongs in any sailing student’s library, as well as “Royce's Sailing Illustrated” and the more technical “Sail Power: The Complete Guide to Sails and Sail Handling” by Wallace Ross.
Just this morning, I came across a new book at the public library, called“The Blue Book of Sailing” by Adam Cort; which looks like a very good introdutory book.
(McGraw-Hill ~ ISBN: 978-0-07154799-4)

[sck5]

The ASA course books are pretty good too. I think they are called something like Sailing Fundamentals and Cruising Fundamentals.

[Tyler Durden]

Originally Posted by sck5

The ASA course books are pretty good too. I think they are called something like Sailing Fundamentals and Cruising Fundamentals.

Yup. I second this. I just got started this weekend (took the ASA 101 course). The book covers a LOT of good introductory material. I highly recommend the course as well (there's no substitute for hands on experience/learning).

[Green23]

Thanks everybody. I'll take a look at these titles!

[JustHank]

After buying and reading several books, I particularly liked this one that came out last year and has excellent photographs:
The International Marine Book of Sailing (Hardcover)

by William Robinson

[Green23]

Just thought I'd pop in and thanks all those who offered some recommendations. My book just came into today. I went with The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, though I'm sure the other books some of you recommended would have been very good as well.

Thanks again!

D

[First Mate]

Originally Posted by Green23

I've heard the names of a few good books to start with, but I thought I'd sorta poll you guys and see what is the most recommended.

What book would you suggest for a solid introduction into sailing?

Royce's Book of Sailing is excellent. We always kept a copy on our first boat. Considering our level of ignorance at that point, it saved our behinds frequently.

[barnakiel]

The check book.

b.