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Buoy your sailing knowhow with advice from two US sailing championsNothing 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!
List of contents
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
