(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best water sports books

The Complete Sailor, by Seidman & Mulford.

I'm reading the second edition of the Slight / DK manual at present, and IMO it's quite poor. It features an incorrect theory of aerofoils [more], and the layout is a bit cluttered, but most importantly it's badly written. Sentences are poorly phrased, with repeated and redundant words, whole descriptions are a messy clusterfuck, and the author uses nautical words which it doesn't explain or define (and I'm sure at least once wasn't in the index).

I was impressed by The Complete Sailor when I read it, my first sailing book, but having read two more in the intervening weeks, my opinion has only hardened.

It is a beautifully and elegantly constructed work, and I say that not just because of Mulford's illustrations - he does deserve as much credit as Seidman - but also for the layout and the way topics are handled. Each page or pair of facing pages covers a single topic, and there's something particularly impressive in how it's explained in a way that the reader can understand - the book starts by talking about the wind, and thereafter every term or concept that is used to explain the current topic is one that has been explained already, previously in the book.

I really think that the authors deserve a lot of credit for how they lay a foundation of information and then build upon it - they make everything simple and logical, and any time you think "what does that mean?" you know that it's already been covered, and it's easy to flip back to the right section. The authors have taken a lot of information about a complicated subject, and made it really accessible.

The Complete Sailor also focuses more on the core concepts of sailing and seamanship than the other books do - they make more digressions about types of life preserver, wood vs GRP, details of yacht vs dinghy, and key dates in yachting history.

I haven't read Sailing for Dummies, but Herreshoff's Sailor's Handbook is pretty good, and I'd recommend anyone pick up a secondhand or remaindered copy to set alongside Complete Sailor. There's probably some stuff in the former that the latter skips.

The Dorling Kindersley book, though, just feels a bit like marketing-orientated writing - it's a thick book, full of high quality glossy photos and clean modern illustrations; it probably looks commanding in the store, and it'll probably be bought as a present by mothers and grandmas for teenagers who have developed an interest in the sport. Nevertheless, it's cluttered, hard to read and factually wrong.

I know that I could have expressed this comparison with more clarity, but it's late here, so I can only apologise.

HIGHLY Recommend this book: The Guide's Guide

I own the earlier, non augmented version, but it's the same book. This was written by a very successful company operating on multiple rivers in California back in the day. The owner retired and they now only operate on one river.

Anyway, some of this stuff is clearly specific to they way this company did things, but the core values and organizational systems presented in this book are the gold standard for being a good guide. The book covers everything from customer interactions and meal prep to river signals and basic hydrology.

It's 20 bucks on Amazon. The company I work for keeps like 15 copies of it and would pay you three hours of work if you read this book in your spare time. I've read it multiple times for my own refresher in the spring, and have my own copy now.

EDIT: Woah, I just read about this new version on Amazon. The augmented version is like twice as long as my version (140 pages vs 316 pages). Sounds like they added a ton of material about Swiftwater Rescue and such. My book does not have all that. Mine is the old 1980s version. The newer version also has river stories, games, and riddles, and a lot more. Basically, it is the book I have, and then another books worth of content added about being a good guide. Haha. I'm gonna have to buy the new one too! It sounds like this update was in 2005, so there will be updates to what is in my book to keep things current I guess.

If you're serious about that, first off I applaud your dream. :) All of the other comments are showing excellent advice, I would add some study as you begin this planning process. The first step in something like this, is education.

You'll want a few things.

The single most important thing for you on any boat is get the absolute best life jacket you can afford. Personally I use this https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B019YDWO0M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Like you, I can't swim, but I spend my summers on the water. This is the type of lifejacket used by professionals. Get one, it's not optional.

Read this https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0071808280/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You're going to come upon a thousand words you don't yet know. Every time you do, google it, wikipedia it, and study it. Vocabulary is the pathway to new knowledge, and the depths of what you don't yet know, will drown you. Take your time, don't get discouraged, and realise that the most important tools for your survival at sea are your wits and your confidence. Don't Panic.

Get this, it's your new bible. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0688148921/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Memorise it, really. If you have to pick any single book to have as a new boater (especially a sailboat), this is it.

This is also one you'll need. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0071829326/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And to begin your engineering education (you'll need it), get this. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0071446443/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I own all of these books, and as we begin the winter this is an excellent opportunity to study and learn and wait for warmer weather.

Keep dreaming. :) You're on the right path. You'll find that most boaters are happy to talk and answer questions. Ask LOTS of questions, listen to everyone, and in time you'll have enough of a collection of knowledge to sort out the good ideas from the bad ones. The more you can learn from other people's mistakes, the easier your boating life will be. The problem with wisdom is that you don't get it until about 5 seconds after you really needed it.

Stay safe, but live dangerously. :)

I wasn't thinking of wind exposure on the large windows, more like what can happen when a really big wave hits them :)

It really comes down to personal comfort. For myself after I do some island hopping I've been looking at maybe getting a Tayana 37 cutter for ocean hopping. Small windows, full keel, small cockpit, plenty of sail and fuel, a proven world cruiser.

You might consider buying this book: http://www.amazon.com/Seaworthy-Offshore-Sailboat-Essential-Features/dp/007137616X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342194688&sr=8-1&keywords=offshore+boat

Basically learn up on the sort of features you need and then make a call on whether or not your boat can be modded to get it to the point where you'd be comfortable make the trip.

But at at certain point, to me, it becomes better to buy a different boat. For example I have a Pearson 323 now and I could mod her for an Atlantic trip. Re-inforce the rigging, maybe add another compression post in the cabin to add structure, toss on a liferaft and rig her up for a drogue.

But considering she's worth 20k and for 50k I can get a nice Tayana 37 it doesn't make much sense to toss 20k into her to rig her up for a trans Atlantic trip. Especially when you consider that any buyer looking for an offshore boat isn't going to be shopping for a heavily modded coastal cruiser. I'd basically be tossing "offshore boat" money into a "coastal cruiser" market. I'm better off buying that Tayana and putting offshore money into her.

But maybe you don't need to add much to your boat for a 1 off Atlantic trip. In that case it may make sense to get to the bare minimum of your comfort level, wait for the best time of year and then head on out, enjoy yourself and come back home.

I'd just really research up, learn the risks and just talk with your significant other what level of risk you're comfortable with. That's really the important part and everyone is different in that regard.

Judging by your username it sounds like you already psyched yourself out of going so I'm not going to try to convince you otherwise.

However, I will recommend "Breaking Seas: An overweight, middle-aged computer nerd buys his first boat, quits his job, and sails off to adventure" by Glenn Damato. It's truly a great read and his story is so similar to yours. It may give you the courage and confidence you so desperately need.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A6542M6?ie=UTF8&redirectFromSS=1&pc_redir=T1&noEncodingTag=1&fp=1

Boat Race before last the bowman of the winning boat was 5'10", huge heart and lungs, and weighed in the mid 80's (KGs) if I recall, so built pretty solid.

To go sub 6 is the elite standard, but don't forget weight adjustment, there's no point going sub 6 mins if you weight 200kg, no one's going to enjoy dragging a hippo in thier boat if he's not pulling his own weight and then some, the calculator and an explanation of weight adjustment are available here http://www.concept2.com/us/interactive/calculators/weight_adjustment.asp
Train on sliders, or take out a single, there is 10x the chance of an injury in land training than on the water.
long steady pieces are also good, don't even go for distance, just sit on an erg for 30 mins, an hour or even 90 mins, it won't wreck you because it shouldn't, but it will improve your times.

READ: You're going to have to live and breath rowing, I'd recomend the following (Not that I've read them all, but i've ordered them and almost finished the original print of Rowing Faster)

http://www.amazon.com/Rowing-Faster-2nd-Volker-Nolte/dp/0736090401/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314681440&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/High-Performance-Rowing-John-McArthur/dp/1861260393/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b http://www.amazon.com/Lactate-Threshold-Training-Peter-Janssen/dp/0736037551/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314681471&sr=1-1

You're gonna need to know more about rowing and training than anyone on the team, because the hours you'll be putting in will make you your own coach.

Start HERE. There are a dozen other sites on how to do this on a budget. I just put a track mounted Bimini on my boat using this site. Looks real nice. Going to prevent a lot of sunburn. I spend a lot of time on Minnesota lakes and after a few days in the sun a Bimini will be worth it's weight in gold. I've added half a dozen control lines and many other goodies.

This book will get the gears grinding and inspire you to greater things. It's your boat, run amuck.

According to Larry and Lin Pardey three things are necessary for cruising. Cockpit cushions, a stern rail and a Bimini top.

Ebay is your friend. There are tons of parts for Catalina 22's available cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Track-Sailing-Learn-Three/dp/0071615199/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1J4DZ3N7YF0RQ&coliid=I2B25B3Z0DNFA9

http://www.amazon.com/Annapolis-Book-Seamanship-Edition-Revised/dp/0684854201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345094921&sr=8-1&keywords=Annapolis+seamanship

As former instructor and 45+ years of sailing...2 good books for beginners. Colgate's Fast Track gives a very concise, clearly written 3 day program. A better 3 day jump start than any other I've found. Focuses on the core skillset to survive your first few missions. The Annapolis book is your in-depth comprehensive reference for all sailing related subjects. Way to thick to read straight through. Use it like an encyclopedia.

http://www.amazon.com/Cruisers-Handbook-Fishing-Scott-Bannerot/dp/0071427880

It's offshore focused but has great details on how to successfully fish from a sailboat.

This style of canoe was the origin of the more durable wood and canvas canoe. In his [book] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Wood-Canvas-Canoe-Construction/dp/0884480461) Rollin Thurlow details the construction and history of the wood and canvas version and relates it to these old bark canoes.

I know this is only semi-relevant, but I really like wood and canvas canoes, and if anyone is interested in making their own canoe, I highly recommend this book

I would say "yes" if it's a board you don't give a shit about and you want practice glassing. If you want to go for it, I highly recommend this book: The Ding Repair Scriptures and a good evening's worth of youtube videos. Otherwise, just cough up the dough for the local glasser/ding guy to fix it. They're set up for it and it's money well spent.

When I got into dinghy sailing, I was obsessed with Royces Sailing Illustrated. I don't know how up to date it is, but I loved reading it.

Also, I may be biased, since my godfather wrote it, but Winning in One Designs is a great book, very accessible and super-informative.

I started drawing again. Reading more books for leisure. Recently came across a book called Alone Together: Sailing Solo to Hawaii and Beyond it's a personal log of a solo sailing journey to Hawaii. Very well written filled with humor and a great little escape even if you're not into sailing. The author has a youtube channel where he blogs about working on his boat and reads an excerpt from the novel (https://www.youtube.com/user/cdw000).

Exercise is a great way to get lost in your own thoughts and vitalize the body. I go hiking from time to time. I think it's a great hobby to take on.

For a while I was into vintage watch collecting. It was a weird passion brought on by the idea of replacing a fitbit I got from my ex for Christmas. I was never a watch person until I got that fitbit and literally wore it every day. I came to realize that it's dangerous to start collecting anything when it's for the reason of trying to fill a void. I sold off my collection once it became a problem.

You're right about not wasting energy and talent on hate, anger, and misery. Going through this has made me realized that it's pointless to feed my demons. This has changed me a bit. Though I still think a bit of anger is healthy as it can be a force that drives productivity, so as long as you know where to stop. I have had thoughts here and there whether I've been suppressing the anger or it's really gone. I hope for the latter.

Whether our problems are similar or not, the end result is the same I think. But finding solace in the fact that there great people out there gives a lot of hope that it will be okay.

I looked through Essential Surfing to get an idea of some of the boards that I wanted to try and make. Their glassing instructions seemed to be pretty good. The greenlight guide and swaylocks are also great resources.

Your first board won't be exactly what you have in mind. Mine ended up with WAY too much vee in the tail (5'10" flyer copy) and about 1/2 inch too thick all around. Still a blast to ride on crappy small days when it's closing out. As long as your outline is kinda symmetrical, you'll have a good time riding whatever it is.

The RYA books are good, but better exists once you reach Yachtmaster level. The RYA's Yachtmaster material is far too brief, or at least it was for me when I was doing it.

I never get on a boat without my Reed's Skipper's Handbook. Truly essential. Yachtmaster for Power and Sail got me through my exam first time and I didn't get asked anything that wasn't explained clearly and concisely within it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reeds-Skippers-Handbook-Malcolm-Pearson/dp/1408124777

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yachtmaster-Sail-Power-Alison-Noice/dp/1472925491/ref=pd_sim_14_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1SZTBHGP5TBDENET1P26

Nice man I go to SJSU and my sailing class there was awesome, even though it was just in a lake. But for a book I'd consider the ASA books:
https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Made-Easy-American-Association/dp/098210250X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502261789&sr=8-1&keywords=asa+101
If you want to get ASA certified down the road you'll end up getting them anyways :p

My dad and I taught ourselves how to sail, my dad handled the boat buying so I don't have any advise on that, but we used this book to learn the sailing part. It keeps it simple enough that its easy to pick up, but it also has more in depth details for when your ready to learn more: http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Track-Sailing-Learn-Three/dp/0071615199

Unfortunately there are no tricks. But all it needs is a bit of practice. It looks complicated at first but really is rather simple. And remember that it is always the same steps you have to do. What helped me is writing down these steps on a clean sheet of paper.

 

Maybe one of those videos can help also help you, not sure how good they are though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfkwKTyYqeI
RYA Day Skipper: The Height of Tide
Leith Nautical Sailing Academy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=793F-Ha4T2U
RYA Coastal Skipper: Secondary Port tidal height corrections
Leith Nautical Sailing Academy

 

And this book also helped me with my theory. It has step by step instructions for all tidal calculations
Yachtmaster for Sail and Power Hardcover
by Alison Noice
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yachtmaster-Sail-Power-Alison-Noice/dp/1472925491

 

The secondary ports here are subordinate stations btw.

A fantastic resource for all types of fishing:

The Cruiser's Handbook of Fishing

Don't be turned away by the focus on cruiser fishing. It covers fishing from land, big boat, small boat, all types of environments, etc.), all types of fishing, gathering other types of seafood, health/safety issues, etc. Highly recommended.

One caveat: it doesn't really cover fresh-water fishing. But many of the lessons learned can be applied to fresh water

"The Sailor's Sketchbook"- a great little idea book but more than just that. It's one of those books that you can flip through and feel inspired.

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned [Chapman Piloting and Seamanship](https://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloting-Seamanship-68th/dp/1618372432/ "Amazon link"). Pretty comprehensive, and also serves as mobile ballast if you need to adjust trim.

Chapman Piloting and Seamanship is a great resource. At times it is almost too thorough and might be a little much to carry with you. I recommend taking someone with experience with you instead of relying on a manual for the first time or two though.

This book is my resource for board info. It's a little dated, but explains dimensions well (rocker, bottom, rails, concave, etc). Also has some good ding repair guidelines.

I find there's a lot of information on forums for popular boats regarding their mechanical and construction deficiencies. E.g. Discussion on certain boats getting blisters, or needing bulkhead replacements. However, there's basically no information on design deficiencies, and most of the discussion you do find is pure speculation. The reason for this is because boat design is more of a tradeoff of different qualities. You want to research these qualities as much as possible. For instance: displacement, sail area, keel type, hull construction, cabin layout, cockpit size and layout, water line length, ability for the boat to right itself and how it affects stability, etc. Most of the information on these subjects is available on books and not necessarily easily accessible on the web. Here are some good books:

• http://www.amazon.com/Inspecting-Sailboat-International-Marine-Library/dp/0071445455
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Small-Sailboats-Take-Anywhere/dp/0939837323
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Seaworthy-Offshore-Sailboat-Essential-Features/dp/007137616X/ref=pd_sim_b_1
  
  Now, these books are slanted on offshore sailing which is what I'm interested in. You didn't specify where you'd be sailing or how you'd be using it. My guess is general weekend cruising.
  
  So no, I haven't seen any discussion on the differences between boats like that. You have to make an informed decision on the data available (e.g. of sailboatdata.com, class association sites, owner postings on forums, etc). Best thing to do is ask people who have knowledge once you've narrowed it down. The truth of the matter is, no matter what boat you get you will have to deal with the tradeoffs. Some guy saying that "X" boat is slow or fast is completely subjective and doesn't mean a damn thing to you. You have to figure out what the qualities you want are first and find the boat that best fits those qualities.
  
  Lastly, if this is your first boat please go small and with something that you can easily sell again. Chances are your wants and needs will change, and dumping a whole bunch of money into the wrong boat may be a big mistake. Get something simple that is easy to maintain, so you can learn how to properly maintain a sailboat. The mistakes you will make will not be a big deal on a small boat, but if you buy a 40 ft Catalina a small mistake can balloon very quickly.

Please buy and read this. Too many people on the water with zero knowledge. This is the bible of boating. In addition, a Coast Guard Power Rangers course is a great idea.

https://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloting-Seamanship-68th/dp/1618372432/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

I have enjoyed these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756689694/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071350993/

Edit 1 to add: Also, for entertaining reading, Joshua Slocum's book and Voyage for Madmen

If looking to purchase a book, consider getting Six Skills by Steve Lewis: http://www.amazon.com/The-Six-Skills-Other-Discussions/dp/098122802X


Another good book is Deco for Divers by Mark Powell: http://www.amazon.com/Deco-Divers-Decompression-Theory-Physiology/dp/1905492294

Then, there is the ever adorable scuba tank water bottle: http://www.amazon.com/TankH2O-Scuba-Stainless-Steel-Bottle/dp/B00C2AAVRS

Breaking Seas is a great one about not making it.

Lionheart & True Spirit about the two youngest Aussies to do it.

As someone else noted, The Long Way by Moitessier (should be avail in French somewhere), A World of My Own by Knox Johnston or Voyage for Madmen which covers all the racers will take you through the first round the world race.

I've had people here recommend me some good books on this topic:

Inspecting the Aging Sailboat - Don Casey

For fiberglass specifically:
Surveying Fiberglass Sailboats - Henry C. Mustin

I recommend The Complete Sailor and the ASA Basic Keelboat text Sailing Made Easy. Note that if you sign up for ASA 101 you should get Sailing Made Easy included.

This is covered by rule 11 and 16.1.

Rule 11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped: When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.

Rule 16.1 Changing Course: When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear.

If I were you I'd get a copy of Dave Perry's book and read it a few times.

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Racing-Rules-Sailing-through/dp/1938915046

Great book written for coaches http://www.amazon.com/High-Performance-Rowing-John-McArthur/dp/1861260393

All these questions are spelled out in the rule book, or will otherwise be amended by the Racing Instructions provided during the Skippers Meeting.

I highly recommend the Dave Perry book Understanding The Racing Rules Of Sailing. This book also contains the current US Sailing rulebook in full, so you need not buy both books.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1938915046

A word of advice - I wouldn't worry about protests, particularly how to file one, at your first regatta. Worry about beating them on the course, not in the room. Keep your head in the game, don't sail mad. Sail fast, sail smart, sail safe.

Get yourself "the scriptures", it answers all, but here's the quick:

1. I guess, using dixie cups, slightly over-estimate and toss the left-over.
   
   
2. Yes, sand more so the cloth lays in the "grind down zone" (read the scriptures) and you don't sand off all of your new cloth.
   
   
3. I guess too, basically I double the volume of resin with qcell.
   
   
4. I buy my supplies at a local place: http://www.fiberglasssource.com/

The Six Skills, by Steve Lewis.

Shadow Divers is absolutely worth reading as well.

I've also read almost all the way through this book and found it very helpful:

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Sailing-Manual-Third-Edition/dp/0756689694/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380854523&sr=8-1&keywords=the+new+complete+sailing+manual

Here is a good book on canvas canoes.


And you can look around the forums on the whca website for more advice and tips.

Just saw the last part of this sentence. Crewing for club races? In that case I have to recommend Winning In One Designs by Dave Perry to go along with the Racing Rules of Sailing

His writing is also nice

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alone-Together-Sailing-Hawaii-Beyond/dp/099725310X

You can buy this book on Amazon. I'm not sure if you are trying to get one in some other way, but I left you the link.

https://www.amazon.com/Guides-Guide-Augmented-Reflections-Professional/dp/0977277402

you start by getting this

https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Made-Easy-American-Association/dp/098210250X

This one?

I really enjoyed Breaking Seas: An overweight, middle-aged computer nerd buys his first boat, quits his job, and sails off to adventure.

Always - hidden delams can cost you more than you're paying to fix. Maybe its had a hard grounding and the keep connection is iffy - can you tell? A surveyor usually can.

Failing that - at the very least buy and read this book.

Every sailboat is rigged differently, although there are many common basic features. So, there's no way for anyone to provide much of a response to an overly broad question. But, if you are just getting going, there's plenty you can do to get a bit more know-how.

When I began, before I started taking some lessons, I read a lot. My brother got me this for Christmas and I read it through and through:

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Sailing-Manual-Third-Edition/dp/0756689694

That should get you going. The next step is to find instruction and get on the water.

Things you can do while you figure out how to get on the water:

• practice bowline and hitch knots, you use them every sail basically so get good
  
• get your gear together: knife, PFD, shoes, wet gear
  
• watch some videos
  
  But, there is no substitute for getting out on the water. What city are you in?