Sailing is a Breeze
Learning to Sail a Laser, Sunfish, or Other Small Boat

by THOMAS P. MARTIN
Illustrated by JOSH KOENIG
1st edition, 182 pgs $24.95
ISBN 978-0-89641-433-4

Book Cover

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.

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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.


FEATURES OF THE BOOK

There are several unique features to this book, including:

  • a focus on learning to sail a small single sail boat (catboat)
  • a detailed section on hazards and risks
  • numerous,easily understood, illustrations
  • a step-by-step progression that can be used in a class setting or for individual instruction
  • a logical, easily understood, section on how boats sail (i.e. physics of sailing)
  • internet references and resources related to sailing
  • a section (in Appendix) on class instruction
  • exercises and review questions (in Appendix) to demonstrate knowledge and understanding


CONTENTS

  • 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

  • Appendix A. RESOURCES AND REFERENCES
    Boating organizations
    Sailing organizations and Selected Web Sites
    One-Design Sailing Associations
    Sailing Videos
    Book References
    Booklet

  • Appendix B. SAILING CLASS INFORMATION
    Introduction
    Sailing Class Rules
    Sailing Class Evaluation
    Clothing/Gear Checklist
    First Assignment

  • Appendix C. EXERCISES AND REVIEW QUESTIONS

  • Appendix D. ANSWERS

  • Appendix E. NAUTICAL DICTIONARY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Thomas 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.