I just went to my local library and got a book called singlehandling by Tony Meisler. Has anyone read it, or have any other good reads for a novice sailor at best? :dance:
Just started reading a book on sailing
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Singlehanded sailing books
Singlehanded Sailing - Richard Henderson
Singlehanded Sailing - Frank Mulville
Google singlehanded, singlehanding, singlehander
use single words or separate them
There are quite a few more out there.
One of the things we've learned over the years is that more of us who sail with others on board are more "singlehanders" than they may think they are. Other than docking, sometimes even when someone else is with us, we tend to do a lot more than we think.
True singlehanding is not that far away. All it takes is a simple midships spring line.
Singlehanded Sailing - Richard Henderson
Singlehanded Sailing - Frank Mulville
Google singlehanded, singlehanding, singlehander
use single words or separate them
There are quite a few more out there.
One of the things we've learned over the years is that more of us who sail with others on board are more "singlehanders" than they may think they are. Other than docking, sometimes even when someone else is with us, we tend to do a lot more than we think.
True singlehanding is not that far away. All it takes is a simple midships spring line.
Are you looking to learn about the science of sailing or a novel about sailing?
I'd recommend getting a copy of Chapman's book about Navigation and Seamanship. There are chapters in there that describe the names of the parts of the boat and rigging, the mechanics in very simple terms making a sail boat work. You can find a copy in most decent libraries or in a lot of used book stores.
If you want a novel there are many like Sailing to the Reefs by Moitessier. Spray by Tristan Jones, Around the World Alone, Gypsy Moth IV by Chichester, Dove. These are all old classics and should be in most libraries. Comeback by Denis Conner is a good read too about Americas Cup racing.
I'd recommend getting a copy of Chapman's book about Navigation and Seamanship. There are chapters in there that describe the names of the parts of the boat and rigging, the mechanics in very simple terms making a sail boat work. You can find a copy in most decent libraries or in a lot of used book stores.
If you want a novel there are many like Sailing to the Reefs by Moitessier. Spray by Tristan Jones, Around the World Alone, Gypsy Moth IV by Chichester, Dove. These are all old classics and should be in most libraries. Comeback by Denis Conner is a good read too about Americas Cup racing.
A good novel about offshore singlehanding is "Storm Passage" by Web Chiles, subtitled "Alone around Cape Horn", although I'd subtitle it "Surviving Despite Making a Lot of Bad Decisions" 
And Stu's right: I'm usually "singlehanding" even if I have several guests aboard. In fact that's what I say in my spiel about MOB: "If anyone but me falls overboard, do what I tell you and stay out of my way!" It's also a lot easier than it sounds, once you have Procedures, and it's actually easier to singlehand a larger boat than a smaller one.
druid
And Stu's right: I'm usually "singlehanding" even if I have several guests aboard. In fact that's what I say in my spiel about MOB: "If anyone but me falls overboard, do what I tell you and stay out of my way!" It's also a lot easier than it sounds, once you have Procedures, and it's actually easier to singlehand a larger boat than a smaller one.
druid
If you're a novice sailor, I'd recommend Dave Seidman's book, The Complete Sailor as one of the first you should read. It is probably the best sailing primer that has come out in many years. It covers a fairly wide swathe of sailing history, theory, and techniques and is very well illustrated.
Jibes
I'm trying to get a good basic understanding of the parts of a sailboat as well as Terminology,some simple rules to go by on the sea, What is good seamanship, whats necessary and what is not on board as well as some good common sense and advice for buying my first sailboat capable of blue water sailing.
I am also seeking a boat I can help sail as a newbie (aka swab) crew member. Any takers in the Saint Petersburg Florida area?
I'm trying to get a good basic understanding of the parts of a sailboat as well as Terminology,some simple rules to go by on the sea, What is good seamanship, whats necessary and what is not on board as well as some good common sense and advice for buying my first sailboat capable of blue water sailing.
I am also seeking a boat I can help sail as a newbie (aka swab) crew member. Any takers in the Saint Petersburg Florida area?
Start with The Complete Sailor... then move onto Chapman's and then John Vigor's book, The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat: A Guide to Essential Features, Handling, and Gear.
I'd also recommend you look at James Baldwin's Boat List, which contains proven bluewater cruisers of various sizes.
I'd also recommend you look at James Baldwin's Boat List, which contains proven bluewater cruisers of various sizes.
I'd point out that one of the best places to buy sailing books is Alibris.com. They often have even brand new, recently published books at a significant discount.
Thank you all for heads up and great books to look into.
I have looked at the James Baldwin site and it has redirected me as to the length, size, and keel to look for. There's lots of great info there.
The problem I have with what I am reading now is, though full of really good knowledge and loads of experience he has sailing. It is obvious he is a true salt to the core. The book overlooks the fact that I (and maybe others) don't want to for go some amenities. I kinda like the idea of a head and shower on board instead of a cedar bucket with a seat half full of sea water on the deck.
Let's go sailing but I also want some creature comforts as well. I won't be needing a cappuccino machine on board, but a microwave to heat water and a french press to make coffee would be nice.
And that's where I really need to understand the differences between wants and needs on board a true sailing ship.
Newbie
I'd point out that microwave ovens are generally an unnecessary luxury on a small sailboat... certainly on anything less than 35' LOA or so...
Needs for a cruising boat are good sails, mast, rigging, a head, water tank, galley with some sort of stove—preferably propane or unpressurized alcohol, and a decent berth... everything else is a luxury, including the engine.
Needs for a cruising boat are good sails, mast, rigging, a head, water tank, galley with some sort of stove—preferably propane or unpressurized alcohol, and a decent berth... everything else is a luxury, including the engine.
I have The Sailor's Handbook Updated Edition by Halsey Herreshoff. I do not think it is the end all book to sailing but I find it useful and practical for comparing different types of hulls and what you want to achieve in a cruiser. It also has some good info on sailing, although light in the trim aspects. It is written for a true beginner that has no experience with sailing. It goes over knots and splices. It goes of the fundamentals of sailing, anchoring, navigation and reading charts. It is really written for someone not familiar with sailing terminology. I have enjoyed it and often use it for reference along with more specific books on topics contained within. You can get the book for a steal, like less than $10 shipped.
Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook has a lot of the kinds of information you are looking for.
Sooner or later, preferably sooner, I'd suggest you hop off this board and go read one or two of the recommended books!
Then come back and we can continue to chat.
Sooner or later, preferably sooner, I'd suggest you hop off this board and go read one or two of the recommended books!
Then come back and we can continue to chat.
Sailing or Cruising?
Newbie,
Sailing requires no amenities. A great many people sail in small open boats. Most beginner sailing courses use these daysail boats because of their many advantages. (cheap, easy to rig, responsiveness) One key advantage is that the beginner is focused on sailing due to the lack of those amenities.
Cruising is another story. That takes a much bigger boat to support the crew for multiple days on the water. Cruising can be done with or without sails.
Cruising requires many skills beyond just sailing. Boat handling, navigation, ground tackle, maintenance . . . to name a few.
Newbie,
Sailing requires no amenities. A great many people sail in small open boats. Most beginner sailing courses use these daysail boats because of their many advantages. (cheap, easy to rig, responsiveness) One key advantage is that the beginner is focused on sailing due to the lack of those amenities.
Cruising is another story. That takes a much bigger boat to support the crew for multiple days on the water. Cruising can be done with or without sails.
Cruising requires many skills beyond just sailing. Boat handling, navigation, ground tackle, maintenance . . . to name a few.
Newbie,
I am a SEASONED sailor, AKA I sailed a whole season (OK, it was summer AND fall) so I understand what you're up against. See about a "Sailing and Seamanship" course that the Coast Guard Auxilliary puts on. They teach you the basics of sailing plus all sorts of general boating stuff. They cover safety, bouyies (sp?), "right of way", anchoring, navigating, sail trim and shape, knots, lines vs ropes, terminologies. All sorts of good stuff. Plus they tend to dwell on a subject that I am sure is near and dear to all of our hearts . . . the reasons why sailors ar so much smarter than . . . powerboaters. (I wince at the mere utterance!)
At the end, you're tested and recieve a card to impress your friends. In Maine, a certification will soon be required, so I'm ahead of the game I guess.
And if it's nautical entertainment . . . James L Nelson is the only name you need know.
Enjoy!
I am a SEASONED sailor, AKA I sailed a whole season (OK, it was summer AND fall) so I understand what you're up against. See about a "Sailing and Seamanship" course that the Coast Guard Auxilliary puts on. They teach you the basics of sailing plus all sorts of general boating stuff. They cover safety, bouyies (sp?), "right of way", anchoring, navigating, sail trim and shape, knots, lines vs ropes, terminologies. All sorts of good stuff. Plus they tend to dwell on a subject that I am sure is near and dear to all of our hearts . . . the reasons why sailors ar so much smarter than . . . powerboaters. (I wince at the mere utterance!)
At the end, you're tested and recieve a card to impress your friends. In Maine, a certification will soon be required, so I'm ahead of the game I guess.
And if it's nautical entertainment . . . James L Nelson is the only name you need know.
Enjoy!
Microwaves are good for makimg popcorn at the dockI'd point out that microwave ovens are generally an unnecessary luxury on a small sailboat... certainly on anything less than 35' LOA or so...
Needs for a cruising boat are good sails, mast, rigging, a head, water tank, galley with some sort of stove—preferably propane or unpressurized alcohol, and a decent berth... everything else is a luxury, including the engine.
Ain't nothing wrong with luxeries.... you don't need to navigate by the stars with a sextant
newbie--it is great to have all the electricity sukkers on the face of this earth and known to man or woman--but it is another story finding the electricity to make them function!!! lol
have fun. whenye get yer boat, figger out exactly what you will place onboard and have fun!!!
hint and clue--ye wont be taking much on board!! your list will modify of its own accord in short order....smoooth sailing
reading books is great--helps ye learn rules of the road as it were--but ye needs to get a lot of hands on time---have a good time and learn well--is a lot of fun and much hard work!!
oh yes, and royces is a very good book as well as the ones ye mentioned.
have fun. whenye get yer boat, figger out exactly what you will place onboard and have fun!!!
hint and clue--ye wont be taking much on board!! your list will modify of its own accord in short order....smoooth sailing
reading books is great--helps ye learn rules of the road as it were--but ye needs to get a lot of hands on time---have a good time and learn well--is a lot of fun and much hard work!!
oh yes, and royces is a very good book as well as the ones ye mentioned.
My favorite "accessory" for my modest 25' sailboat.
It really helps to broaden the decision of what to bring (tools included) on a trip and opens up a lot more anchor places.
It really helps to broaden the decision of what to bring (tools included) on a trip and opens up a lot more anchor places.
Our microwave is the most used appliance on the sailboat... well behind the AC unit.
to Dscribner
I was talking to some salts the other day about the coast guard coarse here in St Pete Florida. They basically told me don't bother. They were saying it's a great coarse on what the coast guard wants you to do. How to through a Horse shoe, put on a life vest,and how many are needed on board your vessel. But when it comes to sailing advice and learning how to sail it is a bit lacking. Still I was going to take the course just for the very thing you mentioned. I figure it couldn't hurt and I would have the certificate when finished.
To Sailing Dog
Wow! I did not know microwaves are such a subject on this site. Let me ask a simple question then. If microwaves are such a luxury why do so many people have them in the pics of there boats?
Anyway the microwave thing was just a off the cuff remark. I know I need a stove not the zapper. Coffee is a must though.
Newbie
I was talking to some salts the other day about the coast guard coarse here in St Pete Florida. They basically told me don't bother. They were saying it's a great coarse on what the coast guard wants you to do. How to through a Horse shoe, put on a life vest,and how many are needed on board your vessel. But when it comes to sailing advice and learning how to sail it is a bit lacking. Still I was going to take the course just for the very thing you mentioned. I figure it couldn't hurt and I would have the certificate when finished.
To Sailing Dog
Wow! I did not know microwaves are such a subject on this site. Let me ask a simple question then. If microwaves are such a luxury why do so many people have them in the pics of there boats?
Anyway the microwave thing was just a off the cuff remark. I know I need a stove not the zapper. Coffee is a must though.
Newbie
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