by THOMAS
P. MARTIN 
Illust.
by JOSH KOENIG
1st ed, 2006, 182 pgs,
$21.95
ISBN 978-0-89641-433-4
Sailing is a Breeze is written for the individual
who wants to learn to sail a Laser, Sunfish, Optimist, or other
small boat. It is appropriate for use in a class setting (e.g.
school or marina), summer camp setting or for personal instruction
with a certified sailing instructor.
Once the basic knowledge and skills are obtained, the sailor will
be able to enjoy sailing as a recreational activity. Further,
"knowing how to sail" will open the door to other opportunities
for enjoyment, challenge, and excitement. The sailor will be in
a position to move on to a larger more sophisticated boat. Perhaps
a boat with onboard accommodations and the world of cruising will
beckon, or the competitive individual might be drawn to the excitement
and challenge of racing. One thing is certain; the individual
will have expanded his/her horizons and developed skills that
can be used for a lifetime.
Chapter
1: SAILING SAFETY
Hazards
and Risks
Hypothermia
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Additional Safety Guidelines and Emergency Procedures
Summary
Exercises and Review Questions
Chapter
2: LINE AND KNOTS
Types of
Line
Selected Knots
Line Hardware
Chapter
3: SMALL BOATS
Hull Designs
Sailing Terminology
Sails
Rigs and Rigging
Other Dinghy Sailboats
Exercises and Review Questions
Chapter
4: LASER AND SUNFISH
Laser Description,
Diagrams and Rigging
Sunfish Description, Diagrams and Rigging
Chapter
5: HOW A SAILBOAT SAILS
Center
of Gravity and Center of Buoyancy
Boat Axes
Heeling
Running
Reaching
Points of Sail
Tacking
Terms Related to Boat Movement and Direction
Theory of Sailing
Exercises and Review Questions
Chapter
6: SAILING TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Progression
Wind Speed and Direction
Launching
Beam Reach
Basic Boat Controls
Adjusting to Force of Wind
Safety Position and Stopping the Boat
Getting out of "Irons"
Coming About
Capsize Recovery
Landing
Close Reach and Broad Reach
Run
Jibing
Practice
Exercises and Review Questions
Chapter
7: INTERMEDIATE SAILING SKILLS
Introduction
Sailing Efficiently
Using Body Weight
Sail and Daggerboard Adjustments
Stopping Alongside Another Boat
"Man Overboard" Recovery
Picking Up a Mooring
Exercises and Review Questions
Chapter
8: RIGHT OF WAY AND RACING
Right of
Way
Racing
Exercises and Review Questions
Chapter
9: USEFUL INFORMATION
Aids to Navigation
Transporting Equipment
Care and Storage
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
Purchasing a Boat
Certification
Exercises and Review Questions
APPENDICES
A. Resources
and References
Boating organizations
Sailing organizations and Selected Web Sites
One-Design Sailing Associations
Sailing Videos
Book References
Booklet
B. Sailing Class Information
Introduction
Sailing Class Rules
Sailing Class Evaluation
Clothing/Gear Checklist
First Assignment
C. Exercises and Review Questions
D. Answers
E. Nautical Dictionary
Dr.
Martin is a Professor in the Health, Fitness and Sport
Department at Wittenberg University. He specializes in the Biomechanics
of Sport and Movement Analysis which is clearly reflected in his
book—especially the chapters on "How a Sailboat Sails" and "Sailing
Techniques." He is also an expert on teaching sport skills and
incorporates this knowledge by presenting a logical and efficient
progression for learning how to sail. He learned how to sail from
Ohio Division of Watercraft officers, later became certified as
a Red Cross Sailing Instructor and has taught sailing and served
as a consultant for over twenty five years.
SAILING
IS A BREEZE