Basic Cruising

Recently I was lucky enough to take sailing lessons, and really lucky to have had this book to study with for the certifactions tests. I am a novice sailor so I needed things explained to me every step of they way. Although this was not the required book for my lessons,(we used Sailing Fundamentals/Gary Jobson), this was the one that helped spell everything out in clearer terms for me.. Sailing Fundamentals was also good in helping to prepare for the classes(see my review) and also has a bit more of the technical information you may need to know. Basic Cruising though seems like it was written for a beginner like me, it carefully explained everything.The names of the parts, to getting ready, leaving the dock, and going out for your first sail. It also helped me to understand the points of sail(which direction the wind is hitting the sails), and other basic maneuvers which are important to know. This one in conjunction with Sailing Fundamentals AND the lessons helped me to pass my tests. If you're just getting started Basic Cruising will be a tremendous help. Feel the wind on your face.......Laurie

I've taught sailing for 16 years and the US Sailing books are the best series of books I've had the pleasure to use. This book is second of the US Sailing textbooks for the learning to sail and mastering keelboats, and is usually associated with a course of the same name. I strongly recommend the complete series, and the sailing program for any new sailor who wishes to learn to sail using time proven methods developed by experts.The concept of US Sailing is to give you what you need to know at each stage of learning associated with your practical on-the-water experience. Once you have mastered the basics of handling a keelboat, in the Basic Keelboat course, you progress with this book, Basic Cruising, into more advanced topics to refine the skills you have and learn new ones such as anchoring and an introductory to piloting.By the time you complete this course and apply what you have learned on the water, you should be ready to take a small boat out on your own and successfully command a moderately experienced crew. The associated certification will allow you to present credentials that will allow you to charter small boats worldwide. Good luck and smooth sailing.