Probably
the best things about this book are the foreword, by that very talented boating
writer Don Casey, and the illustrations, by the renowned artist and whackiest
boating cartoonist I know, Tom Payne. With the help of those two, this book
managed to win a national literary prize of some prestige — the John Southam
Award for Excellence in Sailing Communication.
It’s
a whimsical reference book, aimed at sailboat owners of all kinds but
particularly those nearing retirement age, who will finally have the freedom to
indulge their sailing dreams. Each of its 200 short entries is packed with
solid practical advice and valuable tips, and they’re sorted out
alphabetically, so if you can still remember your ABC you should get along just
fine. Even if you can’t, you’re offered the opportunity to open the book at any
page and browse endlessly.
There’s
an appendix at the back that, even if I say so myself, is a fund of information
for sailors of all types, and also a handy list of books I wish someone had
told me to read before I started sailing. Not all as good as this one, of
course, but then not every author gets to win the John Southam Award. Just
sayin’. . .
Ø
Here’s a review from www.books.google.com
“Very interesting and useful information on all aspects of
sailing from anchoring to operating a self steering device!
“Very good book, that I would certainly suggest to anyone (like
myself) that is getting into sailing.”
Ø And another review from www.books.google.com
“Aimed at sailboat owners of all kinds, this reference book
contains 200 entries packed with solid practical advice and valuable tips. Each
entry is categorized alphabetically and prefaced by an arresting statement such
as "People always lie about how fast their boats are." The reference
format offers readers the opportunity to open the book at any page and browse
endlessly. Cartoons by Sail magazine
cartoonist Tom Payne enliven the text. A comprehensive appendix covers some 50
technical topics.”
Today’s Thought
What is important — what lasts — in
another language is not what is said but what is written. For the essence of an
age, we look to its poetry and its prose, not its talk shows.— Peter Brodie, classics teacher, Foxcroft School, Middleburg, VA
Tailpiece
“And you, madam, what’s your
husband’s average income?”“Well, on Friday nights it’s usually between 2 and 3 a.m.”
(Drop by every Monday, Wednesday,
Friday for a new Mainly about Boats column.)
1 comment:
It is a good book for the persons who started sailing recently. I am now planning to set Sail Manhattan. This book is really helpful for me.
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