The first and only “Learning to Sail” book you’ll ever need
There are many worthy how-to books that you can (and should) read if you are just learning to sail. But if you are only looking for one book to read before getting on a boat for the first time, Sailing Fundamentals
Sailing Fundamentals is the textbook of choice for most sailing schools across the country, and is published under the banners of both the American Sailing Association (ASA) and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA). Written by Gary Jobson, Sailing Fundamentals is an excellent guide for novice sailors, and an important tool to achieving your ASA certification for Basic Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising — essential if you want to charter a boat.
This book covers everything you need to know to feel comfortable going to your first sailing lesson or on your first daysail, from hoisting your sails to sail trim to anchoring to basic navigation to required safety equipment to docking the boat. It was mandatory reading for all of my students prior to arriving at their first sailing lesson, and it should be the first member of your sailing library as well.
