Teacher and racer Dave Franzel moves you quickly from book to boat in this introduction to the basics of sailing. It is his firm conviction that the best and most effective way to learn to sail is to be out on the water. Accordingly, he aims to treat the theory of sailing in a straightforward, no-nonsense fashion. The information provided is reinforced with more than 100 line drawings. Sailing is exactly what it says it is. After studying this book, the author hopes that the reader will understand the fundamental concepts well enough to be confident of your abilities when you board your boat for the first time. You will learn how to sail on and off moorings and docks, how to trim the sail, and how to balance the boat properly. You will be introduced to the rules of the road, anchoring, navigation, spinnaker sailing, heavy-weather sailing and basic seamanship.

Author Biography

Dave Franzel is the founder and director of The Boston Sailing Center, where hundreds of men, women, and children learn to sail each year. His experience also includes stints as head instructor and managing director at other well-known sailing schools. He is one of the more successful Soling and Sonar racing skippers in the country. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.