How to Sail Teaches Basic Sailing and Navigation Techniques, Boat Anatomy, Communication, and What to Do in an Emergency

How to Sail outlines basic sailing techniques for both the beginner and experienced sailor. Whatever your level of ability, this book is packed with useful hints and essential tips that will make sailing a safe, rewarding and enjoyable experience. Useful tip boxes and clear line illustrations help bring to life the techniques needed to handle a boat in every situation, from the importance of monitoring weather reports over the radio, to understanding how to use specialized equipment in an emergency. The book is divided into ten easy-to-use chapters, which cover every aspect of sailing: weather and current conditions, and how to handle them; the anatomy of your vessel and boating terminology; equipment; communicating with other vessels, shore facilities and the coast guard; ropes, knots and lines, and how to use them; mooring and anchoring; getting started; the mechanics of steering and sailing; basic navigation; and surviving in an emergency. The handbook also includes a useful glossary explaining sailing terms, an extensive list of recommended reading and a comprehensive index for easy reference. No serious sailing enthusiast should be without How to Sail.

Twain Braden is a sailor and journalist of many years’ experience who has worked for the American-based offshore sailing magazines Ocean Navigator and Professional Mariner. As a staff member of the Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship, Twain has taught radar navigation, piloting and celestial navigation in various cities in the United States. He lives in Portland, Maine.