Sailing For Dummies

Buoy your sailing knowhow with advice from two US sailing champions

Nothing can beat the feel of the warm sun on your back, the gentle wind in your hair, and a swaying deck under your feet. If you long to take to the open water and sail wherever the wind takes you, you’ll find everything you need to know in Sailing For Dummies. This friendly guide offers information for beginning and intermediate captains. Discover everything you need to know to confidently navigate your vessel through whatever waters—rough or smooth—you may encounter. Whether your goal is to explore a nearby lake, sail down the Mighty Mississippi, or take to the open sea, Sailing For Dummies explains how to launch your vessel, tie knots, turn sails, read the water, and more.

• Figure out how to work with the wind using sails to reach your destination
• Find out how the latest technology makes sailing easier and more enjoyable
• Master the essential skills of docking, tying knots, and dropping anchor
• Learn how to read the wind, sea, and sky to know what the weather is up to
• Choose the boat that’s right for you, complete with bells and whistles
• Discover the basics of windsurfing and kiteboarding
• Satisfy your need to go farther and faster in your craft
• Know how to sail safely in tricky situations

Whether you’re dipping your toe in the water or knee deep in your pursuit of sailing excellence, this reference will come in handy as you set your sights on sailing. After spending some time with Sailing For Dummies—and even more time on the water—you’ll know the ropes!

Introduction 1

Part 1: Before You Get Your Feet Wet 5

Chapter 1: Ready, Set, Go: Time to Start Sailing 7

Chapter 2: Where You Can Learn: Classes and Sailing Schools 21

Chapter 3: Planning Ahead: What to Wear and What to Bring 35

Chapter 4: Before You Leave the Dock 47

Part 2: Casting Off and Sailing Away 75

Chapter 5: Going Sailing: Just the Basics, Please 77

Chapter 6: Leaving the Dock (And Coming Back) 105

Chapter 7: Safety: One Hand for the Boat, One Hand for Yourself 127

Chapter 8: All about Weather: Red Sky at Night 157

Chapter 9: Navigation: Holding Your Course 177

Chapter 10: Anchors Away: Anchoring Your Boat 209

Part 3: Sailing Fast: Taking Your Sailing to the Next Level 231

Chapter 11: The Need for Speed: Sailing Fast 233

Chapter 12: Trimming Your Sails for Speed 255

Chapter 13: Kiteboarding and Windsurfing 279

Chapter 14: Racing Sailboats: Going for the Gold 299

Part 4: Sailing Away for a Year and a Day 313

Chapter 15: Encountering Sailing Emergencies (And Handling Them) 315

Chapter 16: Caring for Your Craft 333

Chapter 17: Cruising with Children 351

Chapter 18: Chartering: Changes in Latitude 359

Part 5: The Part of Tens 369

Chapter 19: Ten Nautical Knots and How to Tie Them 371

Chapter 20: Ten Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a Sailboat 381

Part 6: Appendixes 389

Appendix A: Glossary 391

Appendix B: First Aid Afloat 399

Index 405

JJ Fetter is a two-time Olympic medalist (1992 & 2000) and multiple world and national champion in sailing. She has been inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame and is a four-time U.S. Sailing Yachtswoman of the Year.

Peter Isler is a world-renowned sailor, sports commentator, and writer. He has sailed and won races all over the world and continues to enjoy sharing his knowledge of this diverse sport.

Come sail away with Dummies

What better way to escape the stresses of everyday life than with wind filling your sails and water passing beneath your keel. Whether you’re an aspiring sailor or an old salt, let Sailing For Dummies expand your horizons. We have answers to all your sailing questions, like: What’s the best sailboat for you? How do you hoist the mainsail? What’s a jib? How do you sail faster? Should you go to sailing school? What should you wear? And perhaps most importantly, what do you need to know to sail off into the sunset? World-renowned sailors let you in on all the secrets. You want to sail, and you want to sail right. Dummies has you covered.

Inside…

• Anatomy of a sailboat
• Your first sail
• Sailing safe in all conditions and boats
• Trimming your sails for speed
• Sailboat racing
• Kiteboarding and windsurfing
• Cruising, chartering, and sailing away
• Using navigation apps