Product Description
In this section-by-section commentary, Benardete argues that Plato's Republic is a holistic analysis of the beautiful, the good, and the just.This book provides a fresh interpretation of the Republic and a new understanding of philosophy as practiced by Plato and Socrates.

"Cryptic allusions, startling paradoxes, new questions . . . all work to give brilliant new insights into the Platonic text."--Arlene W. Saxonhouse, Political Theory ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not clear but worthwhile
As the other reviewer indicated, this is not a simple commentary.On the other hand, however, Plato's dialogue is not as simple as he suggests, either: The Republic is subtle, engaging, and requiring of careful attention and reading.Benardete's book is difficult to work through, but it is worth the effort.Though much of it will be unclear to you, every once in a while you will catch something of great import in the text.It is helpful to read this after you read the relevant sections of the dialogue, but with the dialogue alongside.Benardete's textual references are sometimes unclear, and having Plato's text in front of you is immensely helpful.This is not the most helpful commentary on the text-Bloom's interpretative essay probably is--but it is one that helps you get to the next level of Platonic philosophy. ... Read more

Product Description
Royce s Sailing Illustrated, Volume 2 is a classroom text sequence that provides sailing information in greater depth.Once again, topics cover a wide range of subjects including marine hardware, wind power, cabin sailboats, and racing basics.Illustrations and maps enhance the instruction of every passage.A glossary and index allows finding your area of interest very simply.This book is issued in conjunction with Royce s Sailing Illustrated, Volume 1 and Royce s Powerboating Illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Study guide
Volume two provides organized technical information seldom found elsewhere. The larger size format is ideal for dry-land classroom study. Large illustrations provide the easiest and most efficient method to learn the oldest technical language still used daily worldwide. I highly recommend using volume two as a study guide for the pocket sized volume one. Volume one is a handy manual for on-the-water instruction with its index and glossary of nautical terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book for beginners to racing starters
This has to be one of the better books that I have read written for someone new to the sport, covering the basics of both sailing and seamanship all the way to starting in racing to intermediate helmsmanship. The opening words of the dedication "...to Junior Sailors everywhere..." basically says it all.

Brown's objective was clearly to provide a training manual for Junior Sailors and even included a section on how to develop instructors. If you already know how to sail the first half of this book is a good refresher. The later sections are an excellent primer for the sailor who wants to start getting involved in racing. The chapter ending tests are a little tedious if you already know how to sail.

Though this book doesn't cover the material at the level of say Richard Creagh-Osborne's "This Is Racing" it does cover most of the same information in a much more digestible manner. Osborne's book is a masterpiece all in and of its own but he is writing for a more advanced sailor then Brown is addressing with "Invitation To Sailing".Brown's diagrams are much easier to understand on a first reading. He covers the topics at hand selectively whereas Osborne's diagrams are extensive covering too much and jam packed with many possibilities.

Reading the two in conjunction with each other will provide an excellent foundation in both the aspects of seamanship that are missed in most other books and racing from beginning to intermediate and advanced levels.

A Must for every sailor's bookshelf
In-depth, even includes boat care and tuning.But the part of the book that struck me the most was chapter entitled 'What Makes a Sailboat Go' which included demonstrations helping to explain how a sailboat moves inthe wind. ... Read more

Product Description
An artist's memoir of exploring the Atlantic Intracoastal and associated waterways under sail.Pen and ink text runs around and between hundreds of watercolor illustrations and chartlets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Cozy Dream of a Sail
Anyone who loves sailing and seeing new places and creatures will find this book a delight.Dee Carstarphen takes us along with her and her husband Stuart Hopkins on their 1200 mile sail in the Sea Wind along the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway from Norfolk south to the Dry Tortugas.Dee is an accomplished watercolor artist who has earlier written and illustrated Maverick Sea Fare Maverick Sea Fare: A Caribbean Cook Book and The Conch Book.Her sketch log of this trip brings the entire route of a memorable cruise to life through whimsical drawings of shipboard scenes, marine flora and fauna, maps, the Sea Wind in heavy weather, sunsets etc.For those of us who will never be able to make this all-but-inaccessible journey ourselves, we thank Dee for taking us along with her on the sail.I loved it.

a little escape
I often open this book when I'm ready for a little escape.We have cruised these waters for many years and Dee Carstarphen's writing and drawings always brings me right back to being aboard our own boat.Her illustrations are superb.

Experiencing Narrow Waters
This delightful book allows arm-chair sailors to experience the beauty and whimsy of traveling the narrow waters of the Intra Coastal Waterway whilereminding any seasoned traveler of the joys you discovered underway. Ms.Carstarphen has captured the beauty of areas all along the way not onlywith her words but also with the wonderful art work on every page. If youhave never anchored in a quiet cove and watched raccoons playing on theshore or sailed through a crowded harbor surrounded by towering ships andbusy tugs this journal will take you there. A grand treat spiritually andvisually! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Book for Teenagers Needing to Learn About Political Freedom
Back in 1954, when this book first came out, I was 12 and still struggling with learning to read.Our next door neighbor, a printer who worked in Philly, brought a copy home and gave it to me.I enjoyed the book and it was one of the things that cemented in my mind the idea that gaining freedom is sometimes hard work--and to many people well worth the hard work and danger.I think it was one of the things that helped point me toward my career in the Air Force.

And, it was an exciting adventure.

I would recommend this book for those who are in the 12 year age bracket as a way to step up.

Regards--C R Krieger

Contents:
A true adventure tale of 16 men, women and children who escaped to America in a 36 foot sloop.



Excitement, suspense and humor fill the pages of this true account of the heroic voyage of the Erma, a 36-foot, 70 year-old sloop which made a sea trip of 8,000 miles with 16 men, women and children aboard. It is also one of the most incredible sea adventures of our time...a tribute to the Estonian refugees who would risk such a voyage to escape Soviet oppression.

... Read more

Product Description
"Adventure on the High Sea! A Family´s Sailing voyage Across the Atlantic" is a true story for young readers ages 8 to 13 but should also appeal to a parent´s sense of adventure.A young girl and her family set out for the adventure opportunity of a lifetime.It’s an exciting story about a family’s life onboard a 38-foot sailboat and their many experiences along the way.They embark on a year-long voyage beginning in England with proposed stops in Spain, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and Bermuda.Nothing ever goes as planned and their journey detours to Africa and later to America where they eventually settled. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great read for sailing famlies.
We are plannign to sail the world with our children. We bought this book for or 9 yr. old daughter. She loved it!!!

True Adventure
Great story and adventure to relive through the eyes of one who was there

What a great TRUE story...
of family cooperation, perseverance and adventure! I always thought I was the adventuresome type, but the Barry family puts me to shame.Following their trip from England to the U.S. was fun and insightful, plus a fantastic geography lesson for my 5th grader! He loved looking at the atlas to follow their route.It's so nice to find a book that's not only entertaining, but also educational. A great read!!! ... Read more

Product Description

The definitive guide to a critical, hotlydebated topic

How should a sailor cope with storms at sea?Some advocate heaving-to, others running off.Some say trail a sea anchor over the bow, others adrogue astern. The stakes in the discussion couldn’t behigher, or the consensus lower. Finally, preeminentsailor/author Hal Roth offers a practical strategy thatcan evolve and respond as storms grow stronger.

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent read for a sailing novice
I am truly a novice to sailing, just beginning to learn with a Sunfish. Have acquired a number of books covering a number of topics (learning to sail; evaluating boats; repairing boats; reading charts). As Roth notes, being on the open ocean in heavy weather can frighten even an experienced sailor. As a novice, I found his treatment of what to do to manage a boat in that circumstance: enjoyably readable; concise and pragmatic; replete with facts and such science as exists as to the performance of boats using different heavy weather management techniques. Even though my actual sailing experience is virtually nil, I felt that the information provided in Roth's book gave me a good conceptual foundation about how to handle heavy weather, which hopefully I can build upon with actual experience (but also hoping never to find myself in an extreme weather situation, by, as Roth also notes, careful route and passage HANDLING STORMS AT SEA: The 5 Secrets of Heavy Weather Sailingtiming planning). Highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about venturing offshore.

A great read!
You may be able to find much of what's in this book by searching for months or even years in the libraries, public and private, looking through stacks of magazines, talking to experts (real and assumed) and still never cover what Hal Roth has presented in his superb work.The first half is devoted to a number of different schemes for what to do if you're faced with 'handling a storm at sea' while offshore in a small vessel.The second half is devoted to how to reduce the probability of getting caught out in the first place.I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone with the desire to sail off over that horizon -- or even for some first-class, hair-raising reading!Ocean voyaging in itself is not inherently dangerous, at least for those who have taken the time and trouble to make many of the common-sense preparations that Roth has covered.However, no matter how well-prepared you may consider yourself to be, there's always more!I've often said that circumnavigating the world solo is really no more risky than driving the length of I-95 just once -- it just takes different skills.I've done both.Ed Boden

Increase your skills and confidence offshore in heavy weather
There are a number of books for yacht skippers about heavy weather and storms at sea. I've read them all and have learned from each, but until Hal Roth's latest book, Handling Storms At Sea, no single source has presented the subject in such a comprehensive and concise manner. What distinguishes Roth's book from others on this subject is his meticulous research coupled with his vast, worldwide sailing experience. These qualities have also made his other technical sailing books superb reading and reference. As always, Roth writes with precision, clarity and appropriate humor, offering realistic advice based upon his experiences and those of others. Whether you have offshore experience already or are a relative beginner, this book will increase your theoretical skills, help you decide on the storm safety equipment you want for your boat, and boost your confidence level in dealing with strong winds and large waves. After the excellent, concluding chapter on fear and uncertainty, there is a brief glossary and the still-relevant and detailed Barometer and Weather Guide (1858) by Rear Admiral Robert FitzRoy. Handling Storms At Sea and Roth's previous book, How to Sail Around the World,should be required reading for those venturing offshore or dreaming about the possibilities.

Handling Storms
HANDLING STORMS AT SEA: The 5 Secrets of Heavy Weather Sailing

I have read, with pleasure, Hal Roth's new book, "Handling Storms at Sea".I am quoted extensively in the book, so I am sure I am biased in its favor.However, I think he did a good job of describing the relative infrequency of serious storms, and he proposed a number of useful techniques for handling the storms.I have much enjoyed big seas and strong winds, especially when sailing in the high latitudes.I think books like this might help people enjoy the beauty and excitement of big seas while helping to limit the associated risks.Hal Roth was a great sailor and a great writer, and I think this book is a most useful addition to his list of titles.

Comprehensive coverage of a vital issue for sailing
I bought thius book in preparation for a major life shift into offshore cruising. One of our greatest concerns, of course, is facing major storms. This book offers a comprehensive approach to the matter and is written in a simple, no-nonsense way with lots of practical information to remember when you're out there on your own. I'd sure recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description
There is so much in store on this incredible journey enormous statues and temples, the legendary Sphinx, tombs and mummies, and of course the Great Pyramids. With seven exciting destinations, a god or goddess on each page, and informative notes at the end, you will be an Egypt expert in no time! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fantastic Childrens Book
This is a wonderful book for children and adults.This author is amazing in the detail, enabling children to learn within their youthful scope of life.

A good introduction to some of Egypt's best know sites
The book follows a group of children traveling the Nile River, north from Abu Simbel up to Cairo, the route taken by most river cruises.They stop at some of the best known sites in Egypt: the temples at Abu Simbel, Aswan, Kitchener's Island, the Valley of the Kings, Al-Faiyum Oasis, Cairo and the Cairo Museum, before ending their trip at the Giza plateau.

The main text of the book is simple enough to keep the attention of younger readers.Like the other books by this author, there is a repeating refrain throughout, in this case "Climb aboard the river boat! We're sailing down the Nile.We'll be in ______ in just a little while," that will encourage the participation of those who are familiar with the text.For older readers (even adults) this book, like many published by Barefoot Books, has endnotes that further explain things.In this book's endnotes, the first section is devoted to additional information about each of the sites visited.There are also sections with information about the gods and goddesses shown on each page, the different periods of ancient Egyptian history, life in ancient Egypt, the role of the Nile in Egyptian life, mummies, tombs, and hieroglyphs.While the information is more in depth than the main text of the book, do not be worried that it is too academic or dry.The author presents the information in a way that simplifies complex concepts and makes the easy-to-read paragraphs approachable for children.

The artwork is colorful and attractive; it is a bit stylized though.Most readers will be familiar with the appearance of the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, however other sites such as Abu Simbel and the temple on Kitchener's Island are not as well known.Because of the style of illustrations, some readers might become frustrated with the lack of realism in the illustrations (although with the internet those who want to should be able to search for actual pictures of sites described in the book).

All in all, this is a good introduction to the geography and sites of Egypt.Most kids (and adults to be honest) are fascinated with the culture of ancient Egypt and would like the opportunity to visit these famous sites.While this book is not the same as an actual visit to Egypt, it will certainly help to feed the interest

Fun book and great for learning about the Nile and ancient Egypt
I bought this book as a gift because I was so impressed with how much fun the book is and how educational the book manages to be at the same time. I have recently come back from a trip to Egypt and I took a cruise down the Nile River. This book although superficial in details(clearly because of the age range) does cover the key points of the trip from Aswan up the Nile River as well as plenty of background material on Ancient Egyptian history in the back. I have always felt it is critical that kids are exposed to history and cultures through their reading and this book does that well. On top of being educational it is very colorful and very much a fun book. ... Read more

Product Description

It's nighttime, my little one.

Climb into bed.

I don't want to sleep --

I'll go sailing instead.

There's only one problem:

Your ship has no sail.

I'm tying my boat

to the tail of a whale.

Cuddle up with this warm and loving tale of a feisty little girl and a mother who understands her daughter's reluctance for bedtime. After all, who wants to sleep when there are so many adventures ahead? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Wonderful Bedtime Story
One of our all-time favorite bedtime stories.My 6-year-old and 3-year-old both love it.And, I love reading it!

Wonderful Story
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!As a mom, its what I would say, and my kids would probably answer like this little girl does.It has great illustrations, and is the perfect book for bedtime.I would recommend it, if you can find it.

My daughters final book before bedtime...
This is a great book that my daughter has to read last thing, after all other books before she goes to sleep.It is an easy, refreshing read with soft, relaxing illustrations.It seems to put the heady dream machine into motion before the little people go off to sleep.

Such a sweet story!
I've been reading this to my one year old and he adores it.The verse is soothing and the illustrations in pastels are a joy to look at.A different arctic animal is featured on each turn of the page including some species that you usually don't find in childrens books.The conversation between daughter and mother is absolutely touching.I bought this at the bargain price but think it is worth the full price.

Great bedtime STORY,
My 4 year-old daughter has loved this book for over a year now. The gorgeous illustrations and soothing cadence make it a great bedtime story.My daughter has never much liked bedtime picture books that describe the bedtime routine or how much a parent loves a child - she wants a story!This book delivers, using precious few words to describe a girl's planned adventure in the arctic.I think the age range is 2-6, and that's probably pretty accurate -- it's nice to find a bedtime book that both my 2 and my 4 year-old enjoy.Highly recommend! ... Read more

Product Description
Handy and authoritative, this invaluable guide deserves a place on every sailor's bookshelf.Abridged from the acclaimed Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea, An A-Z of Sailing Terms provides detailed explanations of nearly 1,500 sailing terms, covering everything from "booby-hatch" and "growler" to "jack in the basket" and "throat seizing."
Included are entries on navigational and meteorological subjects, weather lore, sailing expressions, and catch phrases--"to the bitter end," for example, is a sailing term that has now passed to general use.The 150 illustrations are themselves a comprehensive guide to rigs and rigging, knots, tackles, and a wide variety of onboard fittings and equipment.Fully revised and updated, this useful reference also includes coverage of the latest racing rules and modern yacht design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Non english finally at ease!
The sailing world has as many others its own vocabulary and manners. Obviously the French speaking sailing world has a somewhat different attitude and idioms when talking to their favourite leisure or business. When boat crews of various nationalities meet they must find a commonlanguage. Most often the french speaking crews have the most difficultiesto express their views and understand the english speaking ones. "A toZ of sailing terms" is a simple, most useful tool to quickly ensurethat the terms used are not only correct but that you will not feel out ofplace with English speaking sailors. A great help to non english navigatorsand a easy tool to help communication and conversation. Thanks to thisbook, I have more friends on seas ! ... Read more

Product Description
The foundation of Christian belief is paradox: death is the beginning of life, foolishness is the pathway to wisdom, the meek conquer the strong. Everywhere we look we see mysteries piled upon mysteries, and for all our efforts to fit God into a box that makes sense, Christianity is not founded on common sense.Author and storyteller Steven James navigates this magical journey through the "uncommon sense" of faith in Jesus. Through his captivating style and arresting stories, James helps readers become more comfortable with a faith full of truth and mystery. With breathtaking writing, he shows readers a God who is illogical, unreasonable, unrealistic, and incredibly and unmistakably true. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Into Deep Waters
I discovered the writing of Steven James through his suspenseful, dark, yet hopeful thrillers ("The Pawn," "The Rook," "The Knight," and so on). Those are tight, fast-paced tales that shimmer with rays of wisdom and redemption. I had high hopes, then, for this non-fiction work of his. It looked like a mix of Donald Miller, stream of consciousness, and theological twists on familiar biblical passages.

James gives us personal anecdotes, prayers in poetic form, and serious looks at the power of God's grace and love. He also makes us laugh out loud, recognizing our own failings and idiosyncrasies in the joint human experience. The reading never drags, and the stories and quotes provide a lighthearted feel. That said, if you're a fan of "Blue Like Jazz," as I am, you may have wished for something a bit deeper in its theological delvings. If so, you'll find James does a wonderful job of wrestling with Scripture, while never undermining God's power or divinity. In between humorous and heart-tugging moments, this book gives us a broader appreciation for our place as human beings in the spectrum of God's design and plan.

Steven James doesn't just skim the waters of faith and doubt, of grace and love; he launches this ship into deep dark waters and sails between the stars. This is a masterpiece just waiting to be rediscovered.

wonderful reading
Loved this book!My first by this particular writer, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.Used some of it in my small group, and my college students loved it too.His thoughts on predestination were refreshing and I now know a new word - agathokacological.

Master Storyteller
This book was given to me as a gift, so I really didn't know what to expect. What I found was a book full of clever, witty, and funny stories with gorgeous poems thrown in. Sound like a lot going on in a book? It is, but then it isn't. Kind of like the themes of the book....mystery and paradox. The Bible is the basis of the aforementioned. With chapter titles like "thoughts on dung and grace" and "chewing on God" it may sound irreverent but the author always finds a way to bring everything back to the greatness of God.
What I most appreciated about the book was the validation that not just my mind-- is so limited in understanding God's love. Above all, I am most thankful for that incredible love, what a mystery it is!
This is a great book for new believers or long time Christians.

A New Favorite
One of the most exquisite books I've ever encountered. Poetic, deep, spiritual, and moving. I just want to read each page over and over again. Okay, so he mixes his metaphors occasionally, but in the most delightful and insightful sort of way, tying them into the mystery and wonder of God. A must read for all true spiritual seekers. I need a sixth star, maybe even a seventh for this book.

A mix of prose, poetry and prayer-poems
Steven James is primarily a storyteller, and a professional one at that. So whenever you notice that he has written another book, you can pretty much expect to find stories inside, and that's true of SAILING BETWEEN THE STARS --- a book full of stories about his family, his friends and his experiences that help illustrate his "musings" on faith in all its mysterious glory.

If, like me, you're the kind of reader who actually checks out the table of contents first, you'll be pleased to know that James is as cryptic as ever with regard to the chapter titles. "Thoughts on Dung and Grace" and "The Monk, the Chainsaw, and the King Tut Life-sized Sarcophagus Cabinet" certainly are attention-grabbers but are no competition for "Joy on the Front of My Pants." That one sounded vaguely familiar and turned out to be a story I once heard him tell in some other context. Still funny, though.

There is a point to all this storytelling, and that point is to try to make sense of the life of faith that James and other Jesus-followers have embraced. As he points out, it's a life filled with paradox and incongruity and mysteries we will never solve this side of heaven, abounding with questions about why God allows the innocent to suffer and all that. And as he also points out, he doesn't have any more answers than the rest of us do; he is simply inviting us along as he contemplates such things as...the navel (honest!) along with somewhat larger issues. (The navel thing really does have a spiritual point, and a fairly dramatic one at that.)

Occasionally, James surprises us, and probably himself as well, with some extraordinary insights. One of the most profound involves the story about the time when Jesus as a boy was inadvertently left behind in Jerusalem and eventually found in the Temple. Like most of us, James took that story at face value --- until he began looking at Scripture through a different lens. These days, he writes, "I look for the struggle, for what doesn't fit, for what goes wrong, for the things that truly set the story in motion." He assumed this particular story was about Jesus naturally wanting to be in the Temple --- his Father's house. Then James "started looking for...the heartbeat of the tale, and I realized this story is about something else entirely." That "something else" is truly revealing, but I'll let you discover that for yourself; let's just say that James believes the story is not about Jesus at all.

And make sure you don't skip the chapter titled "Lost in Space," in which James considers Jesus's teachings about giving freely to others. I'm still musing on that one, along with its image of a God who "doesn't seem too worried about being taken advantage of." No doubt about it, James gives us a thing or two to think about.

Fans of James's previous books, particularly STORY: RECAPTURE THE MYSTERY, will not be disappointed in this release. Like STORY, SAILING BETWEEN THE STARS offers a mix of prose, poetry and prayer-poems. Poetry is a tough sell, and James's style may not be to your liking. But the prose more than compensates for that and makes the book a worthwhile read.

--- Reviewed by Marcia Ford ... Read more

Product Description
This visual dictionary looks at the inner workings of boats, ships, sails and rigging, navigation instruments, signals, ropes, knots, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Could have been better
Well, as much as I enjoyed the pictures, and the nice layout of each page, it still wasn't quite what I was looking for. I saw the summary stated "looks at the innner workings...rigging, navigation instruments,.."etc and I thought it was going to give some detailed definition of each part of a ship. But instead I see a term, let's say 'hatch coaming/shot garland' that has a line pointing to a general direction in the ship, with no further explanation. What is does say on the side is telling about the type of ship you're looking at, no more information about the parts of a ship, and what they are used for. Like when you first open the book, there is a picture of a 'stropped block'. ...So what is a stropped block? What's it used for? Well I dunno. So that was my problem with the book. I did really like the flags and the different meanings of them though.

EXCELLENT BOOK!
Wonderful illustrations!Names everything!Perfect addition to Master and Commander fans!

Would be 5 stars, but...
I only wish it was longer. As it is the 64 pages is packed with info, but I still held back my rating to 4 stars.

This is a great book for the kids. DK always seems to do a nice job of presenting a lot of information in a fun way, and this book is no exception. It covers historical information on the different types of ships from the "first boats" to "ships of the line" of the 18th and 19th century. Also the "anatomy" of a ship, how a wooden and iron ship is built, etc. One thing I really enjoyed about this book is that it explains the basic concepts of navigation, piloting, and nautical charts. My family has a long history of sailing, and I really treasure this book as a fun way to introduce my children to learning more about the history and craft of sailing. ... Read more

Product Description

Written by one of the best-known figures in all of sailing and a leading authority on Optimist sailing and racing, The Winner's Guide to Optimist Sailing is the ideal training manual for young skippers, their parents, and their coaches. The most comprehensive sailing guide to the International Optimist dinghy class features:

• Step-by-step instructions on every aspect of beginning sailing
• More than 100 stunning photographs and helpful illustrations
• Useful tips and winning tactics for competitive racing
• Special advice sections for parents and coaches

Customer Reviews (5)

Sailing book
13 year old enjoyed reading prior to sailing the Optimist.With minimal instruction was able to sail within minutes.Great little book.

Good Opti overview
Overall, this book is a great beginner's guide.My son and I have learned a lot and it is perfect for green fleeters.

NECESSARY!
Contrary to another review, this book DOES tell a kid how to rig the boats, gives important information about doing so, as well as good guidelines for seamanship and racing tactics. An altogether readable, understandable guide for both kids and parents. If your kid is starting to sail, get them off on the right tack by giving them this book, and you as a parent should also read it. It's a sensible, easily-understood book, written with humor and plenty of information.

very informative
I am an Optimist sailor. If you want to know how to sail or race competitvely read this book. It combines good racing techniques with Optimist basics. This THE book to get if you want to figure out what's whaton any type of optimist. New or old. It has great illustrations and thatdepict how to sail well and get riggedthe right way. This book helped meget sixth place in the Junior Olympics in Island Hieghts, NJ. If you wantto sail an opti Read this book!

A disappointment
A book for Opti (ie, beginning) sailors shd have 3 sections: How to rig the boat, How to sail, and Racing techniques.Since there are a lot of good books covering the 2nd and 3rd topics, an Opti-specific book shd focuson rigging.

Jobson and Kehoe do a very poor job of describing how to getyour Opti rigged and ready to go.The topic is broken up into 3non-contiguous sections, with minimal illustrations.Some of the photoshave wrong captions.And there is no discussion or even acknowledgment ofthe IOD 95 standard.

For example, at one point the authors stress theimportance of the boom preventer -- but there is no drawing of this device,and no clear description of how a "twist" (or a "turn",in another place in the book) is to be managed.

There is no index andonly a partial glossary of terms.

Of course, the sections on racing arevery detailed.But I wish the authors had organized the material withbeginning sailors in mind. What's missing is some kind of hierarchicalranking of what's important to winning.Kids need the important pointsemphasised. But this book makes no distinction between, say, starting onthe favored end of the line versus keeping your air clear.And I don'tthink covering your opponent is mentioned at all.

I haven't gottenSlater's book yet, but it has to be better than this one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great comprehensive coverage
A thin, unassuming format but it is very well written! Stadler, himself a serious sailor and psychology professor from Bremen/Germany, covers a very broad set of subjects. He discusses everything from causes of seasickness and changed visual perceptions to the intricacies of crew sociograms. Great reading for the advanced skipper/captain. ... Read more

Product Description
A sailing book, blending philosophy, archetype, crude irreverance, and the need to sail. . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

What's your purpose?
Jerome brings it home, that sailing is more than a craft. It is as Joseph Conrad so eloquently wrote in his many stories and novels, a form of meditation. I enjoy reading a sailor's thoughts on his sailing experience. After reading, Sea-Steading, by Jerome Fitzgerald, I had to get, Sailing with a Purpose. He may be considered too opinionated by some, but I've enjoyed his opinions. I've been sailing since the 70's and if I had only one word to equate with sailing, it would be "freedom." This comes through in his book, but as all true freedom, it is accompanied by hard work, discipline and a love of problem solving.

escaping the self
I encourage men to read this, only taking into consideration that this book describes just "the pursuit of a dream", the reality of the self is only inside your soul. It does not matter where you go, you take your "self" wherever you go. And for the sake of the search, it is worth to face and overcome your reality as is and not trying to evade it. It does not even enrich the language. It's poorly written,and edited. Yes, a teenager can have a dream with it!

The meaning of sailing.
This is a wonderful little book. It is so rare to find reality based people.
My only complaint is the small number of pages. I would have loved to read more.

This is a book about a man who is studied in philosophy, giving his perspective on the desire to sail away.

We loved the section on the basis of the male/female relationship.

don't bother
this book is written by an arrogant pontificating autocrat with a very rigid narrow world view. The book is full of sarcasm and cynicism but no humor or any real meaningful observations of the human condition. Reads like an essay by a 15 year old petulant self absorbed adolescent, and the editing is the worst I have ever seen in a published manuscript!
There is more ridicule than advice. I don't know where all the bitterness comes from but it is tedious.
Wouldn't recommend this or anything written by this guy

This guy is the Edward Abbey of the sailing world
and that's pretty much my review. This is great stuff, but if you've got a weak stomach for hearing reality you'll not like it. Every guy should have gotten this book for a high school graduation present. . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A classic autobiographical narrative of solo sailing
If you have any desire to sail the oceans and get away from the rat race, both of the included stories will definitely transport you to a different time and place in a memorable way.

Slocum has a keen eye for details and illustrates his experiences in a way any serious reader will enjoy. The technology is basic and so is the man. Arm chair sailors, especially, will enjoy cruising with Slocum and this tale will find a special place on your bookshelf, I'm sure.

I've done some sailing, but am not intrepid enough to sail around the world by my lonesome. To think that this was done completely solo by someone who accomplished it before the age of radio, GPS, modern charting, and even life jackets, is quite admirable.
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Product Description
Dinghy Sailing: Start to Finish is a complete reference for every level of sailor whether you are a beginner and need a straightforward, easy-to-understand guide or are taking your sailing to the next level and looking for the professional tips and tricks that will get you sailing faster, better, safer and having more fun. It includes single-handed dinghies through to planing speed craft.


Full colour with 150 fantastic, clear illustrations and 150 photographs, Dinghy Sailing: Start to Finish gives the reader a thorough, complete and visual guide to life on the water.


Packed with expert advice from the professionals at UKSA, the book covers:


Basic Principles

* Parts of the boat - exploded illustrations of a dinghy and components

* How a boat sails - Sailing theory explained

* Points of sailing - Sailing a dinghy at different angles to the wind

* Choosing a dinghy - Types of boat and their suitability

* Preparing to sail - Safety afloat, practical clothing, rigging to launching.

* Knots and Ropes - Practical illustrations for basic knots and splices

* Transporting dinghies -Road trailer to roof racks

* Sailing for the first time - Balance, sail trim,

* Rowing and paddling -

* Rules of the road - Avoiding other boats, Rights of way, Basic racing rules.

* Understanding tides and currents

* Weather forecasting - How to spot tell-tale signs of change in wind and weather.

Basic Techniques

* Tacking

* Gybing

* Beating to windward

* Reaching

* Running

* Spinnaker handling

* Capsize and recovery

* Returning to shore

* Packing the dingy away

* Maintenance

Advanced Dinghy Sailing

* High performance dinghies and catamarans

* Trapezing

* Asymmetric spinnakers - Setting, handling and gybing

* Singlehanded sailing - dinghies and catamarans

* Tuning - dinghies and catamarans

* Heavy weather sailing - dinghies and catamarans

The Basics of Racing

* The start - Practical lessons and rules explained

* First leg tactics - Practical lessons and rules explained

* Reaching - Practical lessons and rules explained

* Running - Practical lessons and rules explained

Glossary of Terms ... Read more

Product Description
Increasing competition for mooring and dock space has driven the price of their favorite sport out of reach for far too many sailors. The solution? Downsizing to an affordable boat stored between sails on a trailer. Not only is the boat safe and convenient, but cruising options expand dramatically--the whole continent becomes available at 55 miles per hour dead to windward. Whether you're a new sailor just starting out or an old hand choosing the '90s phenomenon of "downshifting," this completely revised and updated edition of Bob Burgess's Handbook of Trailer Sailing, first published in 1984 and widely acclaimed as the trailer sailor's bible, will chart your whole course. There's detailed information on finding your dream boat, outfitting and setting up, trailers and trailering, elementary and advanced sailing, anchoring, customizing for comfort, taking care of your outboard motor, sail camping, cruise planning, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

One of my favorite books for trailer sailing
This is one of the first books I bought on sailing, and it's still one of my favorites (I have read dozens and dozens by now).It is aimed squarely at the trailer sailor, someone who is going to take a 16-25 boat, go to a launch and go off for the day or the weekend.Details ways to make all of this more enjoyable and more comfortable.Does not go into much detail on how to sail, there are other books that do that much better.But for advice for small boating, I think it's great.

Not bad, but not the best.......
There are others that I have gotten more from, but I've already read them.This did add to my knowledge, especially as I am planning a Keys trip myself.This was the most useful part for me. Good winter reading!

detailed, but didn't like layout
This book seems to have detailed information but as a certified instructor I only found a few sections that caught my eye when I was skimming through it.I don't particually like the way the book is layed out.Definitely not a book I would read cover to cover.There are better books out there...

good tho' what about the trailer and tow vehicle?
quite good tho' curiously silent on the realities of trailering, especially topic of how to fit your choice of boat to your existing vehicle and vice versa.Just as Portland OR says elsewhere

An excellent reference for the trailer sailor
This is the third highest rated book in our Ensenada 20 library, just below "Frugal Yachting", which is just below "The Complete Sailor".

I would strongly recommend any would-be sailor whoseconsidering to take the plunge, to get all three, read them cover to cover,and keep them close at hand always.

The Handbook of Trailer Sailingprovides rafts of information that would otherwise be difficult to aquirefor those who are considering purchasing a trailerable sailboat.

While itcould provide more depth on the trailering aspect, it compensates with lotsof real life experience in all the places a trailer sailor may end upgoing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sailing Ships of New England
If you're interested in the history of sailing ships in the United States, check out Sailing Ships of New England.It's full of great illustrations and provides the same historical perspective as this book.It's also half the price!!

Schooner Passage
Schooner Passage presents an intriguing look back into the cultural, sociological and economic contexts in which the Lake Michigan schooner trade existed.The history of lake schooners and their role in the development of commerce on Lake Michigan has received relatively little attention, making this book an important contribution to the Great Lakes maritime history genre.Drawing from primary archival and secondary research materials, Dr. Karamanski presents factual accounts from schooner captains, crews and passengers to cast light on the circumstances and conditions that characterized the schooner era on Lake Michigan.The book begins with the pioneering days of the late 1700s and describes Lake Michigan's wind-borne commerce well into the 20th century.

Hardcore researchers seeking a comprehensive work with vessel demographics, detailed wreck accounts and obscure vessel photos may be somewhat disappointed, as the author has consciously avoided dwelling on minutae and concentrating on disasters. Instead, and perhaps more important, Karamanski strives to present the larger picture of the forces that gave rise to, fueled and ended the era of schooners on Lake Michigan, as well as describing the daily lives and activities of those involved in the schooner trade.Researchers will however, find Karamanski's extensive reference and bibliography section to be of great interest.

Schooner Passage is an excellent book for any reader wishing to acquaint themselves with the history of sailing ships and 19th century commerce on the Great Lakes.The book presents enough detail to be of interest to the serious Great Lakes maritime historian, while giving a high enough overview to be accessible by the casual enthusiast.

The only disappointment is the relatively high retail price of this relatively short(262 page) hardcover book.

Brendon Baillod -Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation -Milwaukee, WI ... Read more

Product Description
In 1968 during the Golden Globe, the first solo non-stop race around the world, Bernard Moitessier sent the following message with a slingshot onto the deck of a freighter, 'I am continuing ...' With this unbelievable decision to turn his back on glory and money, when he had victory in his grasp, and continue sailing to the Pacific Islands after seven months at sea, he became a guru for all small boat sailors. Jean-Michel Barrault was his friend for 36 years. He met him when Moitessier, having survived two shipwrecks, went to Paris in search of work. He got him to start writing about his adventures, which Moitessier did beautifully. More adventures followed, a trip from Tahiti to Spain via Cape Horn as a honeymoon. After finishing 'The Long Way', his most famous book, Moitessier and Joshua, his 39-foot ketch spent many years in Polynesia where he built his own house, planted coconut trees and transformed his atoll into a speck of green in the middle of the South Pacific. He lived in the United States for a time, lost his boat in Cabo San Lucas during a hurricane, and spent his last years in France, where he wrote his memoirs. Shortly before his death, Tamata and the Alliance was published to great acclaim. Moitessier, the internationally known sailor, writer and ecologist, became a legend in his own time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Curious survey
This book is a curious survey--Barrault spends more than half of the book summarizing events as depicted in Moitessier's books. The result compresses the journeys and Moitesseir's psychological experience and elaborates over the perspective of the author: correspondence with Moitessier, the role of the press in Moitessier's life, and the subject's last few years on the sea. It didn't slake my thirst, but did direct me within Moitessier's own body of work. ... Read more