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.

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!

A completely revised, colour edition of THE Laser sailing manual giving essential information and tips for faster, smarter Laser sailing. This book takes a complete beginner up to Club Champion standard. It teaches everything from the essentials of sailing theory and rigging, through faster upwind and downwind sailing, to racing tactics and how to outsmart the opposition.The essential skills that are covered in this book will also useful to radio controlled Laser sailors who will find that many of the areas of covered also apply to the RC Lasers, in particular faster sailing and racing tactics.

The definitive guide to the Laser. The Complete Book of Laser Sailing is the most comprehensive book about successfully sailing and racing this popular and challenging high-performance dinghy. Dick Tillman tells you everything you need to know about the boat and how to set it up and sail it, including: Rigging and sailing the boat Trailering and cartopping Maintenance and storage Training and physical conditioning Upwind and offwind racing techniques Clothing and equipment Interviews with such champion racers as Hans Fogh, Ed Baird, Ed Adams, and Danielle Myrdal Plus this updated and expanded edition gives you: The latest sail control and rig modifications Updated listings of major competition results New interviews with champion racers, including Olympian Mark Mendelblatt and Paige Railey on Radials "A fine-tuned guide to everything anyone could ever need or want to know about the Laser."—Sailing "This book will most certainly make you a better sailor and could help you become a champion."—Soundings "This book is a must."—The Little Ship