Recommended Reading for the Beginner

In a previous blog post, I suggested that a good first instructional book was Sailing for Dummies. I stand by that recommendation for all of the reasons discussed in that article but understand that some people are put-off by the book title and may feel that their skills and abilities are already beyond the "dummy" level. I can understand that and won't be critical of those who fall into that category. Instead, I will offer you this alternative text.

Another great book that will introduce you to the art of sailing is The Complete Sailor, by David
Seidman. With 240 pages of text and illustrations, the author provides an excellent resource for both the beginner and novice sailor. The book includes sections on the wind, weather, sails, rigging, anchoring and much more.

There are technical details on calculating a boat hull's speed-length ratio and keel design if you are interested in such things. Seidman also offers valuable advice on racing strategies. The book offers a broad range of useful information from a different teaching approach than Sailing for Dummies.

I believe that Jennifer and Peter Isler do a better job in Sailing for Dummies of providing practical hands-on advice for the beginner, and their illustrations and images are more helpful than artistic.

Both books are relatively inexpensive so I will close with this advice. Buy both of the books! You are certain to find each book to be helpful for the beginner and one will be certain to become your favorite go-to resource as you continue pursuing a sailing education.