Sailing Fundamentals

Written by America's foremost instructional authority, the new edition of Sailing Fundamentals combines the training programs of the American Sailing Association and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The official learn-to-sail manual of the American Sailing Association, it is also used in the programs of many yacht clubs, colleges, and sailing groups. Unlike most introductory sailing books, which reflect the biases and idiosyncrasies of their authors, Sailing Fundamentals has been extensively pretested by ASA professional instructors to ensure that it offers the fastest, easiest, most systematic way to learn basic sailing and basic coastal cruising. This book covers every aspect of beginning sailing — from hoisting sail to docking and anchoring — and specifically prepares the learner to qualify for sailing certification according to international standards. Widely acclaimed author Gary Jobson has won several major races, including the 1977 America's Cup victory as tactician aboard Courageous. He was head sailing coach at the U.S. Naval Academy, and has conducted sailing clinics across the country. Illustrated step-by-step in two colors with over 150 line drawings and photographs.

This edition combines the training programmes of the American Sailing Association and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to bring a comprehensive and practical "learn to sail" manual. It offers a systematic way to learn basic sailing and basic coastal cruising.

Written by America's foremost instructional authority, the new edition of Sailing Fundamentals is widely recognized as the official "learn-to-sail manual" of the American Sailing Association (ASA) — and is used in the training program of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as many yacht clubs, colleges, and sailing groups nationwide.

While most introductory sailing books reflect the biases and idiosyncrasies of their authors, Sailing Fundamentals is extensively pretested by ASA professional instructors to ensure that it offers only the fastest, easiest, and most systematic ways to learn basic sailing and coastal cruising. This invaluable guide covers every aspect of beginning sailing — from hoisting sail to docking and anchoring — and specifically prepares readers to qualify for sailing certification according to international standards.

Gary Jobson lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

CONTENTS

The American Sailing Association by Harry Munns, Executive Vice President, ASA

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

PART ONE

INTRODUCTION TO SAILING

Overview: The Sailboat and the Wind

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

All About Boats

The Basic Boat

Responsibilities of the Skipper and Crew

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats

Review Questions

SKILLS AFLOAT

Boarding

Sailing Checklist

Attaching the Sails

Rigging Checklist

Using Winches

Raising the Mainsail

Getting the Boat Moving

Getting Out of Irons

Coming About or Tacking (Mainsail Only)

Jibing (Mainsail Only)

Raising the Jib

Reaching with Mainsail and Jib

Coming About with Mainsail and Jib

Sailing a Figure Eight

Jibing with Mainsail and Jib

Ending the Sail

Stowing Sails

Docking

Summary

PART TWO

BASIC SAILING

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

Sail Trim

What Makes a Boat Sail

Points of Sail

Rules of the Road under Sail

Review Questions

SKILLS AFLOAT

Communications

Sailing Close-hauled

Sailing on a Run

Sailing on a Reach

Stopping the Boat

Summary

PART THREE

SAFETY AND SEAMANSHIP

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

The Safety Harness

Deck Safety

Hypothermia and Clothing

Seasickness

Review Questions

SKILLS AFLOAT

Sailing a Triangular Course

Rescuing a Man Overboard

Sailing in Confined Waters

Summary

PART FOUR

BASIC SEAMANSHIP SKILLS

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

Daysail Planning

Chart Symbols

Aids to Navigation

Anchors and Their Uses

The Anchorage

Knots

Dock Lines and Their Uses

Review Questions

SKILLS AFLOAT

Anchoring

Heaving To

Docking under Sail

Mooring

Summary

PART FIVE

BASIC COASTAL CRUISING I

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

Terms and Definitions

Running Lights

Duties of Skipper and Crew for Cruising

Rules of the Road under Power

Essential Safety Equipment

Review Questions

SKILLS AFLOAT

Engine Operation — Outboards

Troubleshooting the Engine

Handling a Vessel under Power

Summary

PART SIX

BASIC COASTAL CRUISING II

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

Sail Selection

Weather

Heavy-Weather Sailing

Reefing Systems

The Magnetic Compass

Preparing for Coastal Cruising

Running Aground and Other Nuisances

Review Questions

SKILLS AFLOAT

Reefing

Sailing a Compass Course

Steering with the Sails

Basic Coastal Cruising Checklist

Summary

PART SEVEN

SPECIAL SAILING INFORMATION

Special Sailing Information

Dinghy Sailing

Sailboards

Catamarans

Launching, Storing, and Maintaining Your Boat

A Final Word

APPENDIX A

Answers to Review Questions

APPENDIX B

Float Plan

APPENDIX C

Equipment Checklists

GLOSSARY

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INDEX