CHAPTER 1. Loomings. Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.

The Complete Book of Laser Sailing is the most comprehensive book ever publishedabout successfully sailing and racing this popular and challenging single-handed racing boat. This book tells the budding racer what they need to know about the boat itself and gives the latest thinking on how to set it up and sail it. It includes: · latest information on upwind and downwind techniques · equipment, and rigging techniques · the Laser Radial and Masters racing · interviews with champion Laser racers · listings of major competition results since 1990, including the Olympics, and Radial and Masters classes. 'Tillman is a well-known Laser expert… and his book is a fine-tuned guide to everything anyone could ever need or want to know about the Laser. Whether you are looking to learn the basics… or to refine your techniques, here's the starting point' Sailing 'This book will most certainly help make you a better sailor and could help you become a champion' Soundings

Laser Racing is essential reading for all Laser sailors who want to win in this highly competitive class. Top US racer Ed Baird - Laser World Champion in 1980 - explains in words and pictures how to prepare your boat, practice your boat handling skills and how to sail the race itself. Ed gives invaluable advice on line and gate starts, handling the Laser upwind in waves, adjusting the vang, gybing in heavy air and all the other problems frequently raised at his Laser racing clinics. Plus insights into the psychology of winning a series - while discouraging your opponents from doing the same!

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

Here are the secrets that won Sir Ben Ainslie his first gold medal. Brimming with photos, this is a colourful and detailed account of how to dominate the world's hottest class.

Editor Ken Textor is a writer and sailing enthusiast.