book on racing

[pozpoz]

What book would you recommend on racing subject? I am not interested in books which teach how to set sails, I am more interested in books which cover in more detail topics such as tactics, and racing rules.

Thank you in advance
Poz

 

[boaterbaz]

Fenhurst press do some good titles on tactics and techniques various titles available via the rya. The rules in action, author unknown and most important of all ISAF rule book read inside out back to front and upside down till you are up to speed with them all.

Enjoy the racing.

 

[Beau Nidle]

The Paul elvstrom racing rules of sailing are very good for explaining how the rules apply in practice, for tactics, try Stuart quarries offshore race crew manual or rya tactics by mark rushall.

 

[Dill et Bound]

Bit heavy, Quite old, But explains it Brilliantly. Elvstrom s is good but..
Tactics & Strategy In Yacht Racing Joachim Schult... Exellent...
I got a copy when I was racing, I presume they update it...

 

[DanTribe]

Eric Twiname, Start to Win is good for understanding racing mindset. Written a few years ago but still relevant, mainly for dinghies or small keelboats. His Rules in Action is also worth having but make sure you get an updated edition.

 

[lpdsn]

What book would you recommend on racing subject? I am not interested in books which teach how to set sails, I am more interested in books which cover in more detail topics such as tactics, and racing rules.

Thank you in advance
Poz

Depends where you're starting from and how much effort you want to put in.

It's a good tactic to know the rules thoroughly. I prefer the Bryan Willis book.

Similarly, it's a good tactic to get your boat handling up to a slick standard.

The North Sails "Tactics" book is a good book to start with. Lots of pictures.

Frank Bethwaite's books are good, stating with "High Performance Sailing".

"Advanced Racing Tactics" is also good if you're happy reading a Uni text book style format. Quite old on the technical aspects, but covers the psychological aspects well.

 

[William_H]

Guessing that OP is starting racing I am not sure that he will get very far with reading the rules book or in fact any serious book on rules. I would recommend get the basic rules into your head then get out there racing and as you move along in experience the complexity of rules starts to make more sense.
So first rules of port and starboard right of way then windward leeward boat right of way are critical.
I often need to call for water on an obstruction. This one enables you to ask a boat which you would colide with if you tacked to tack to give you room to tack to clear an obstruction. But you must tack immediately after he does.
Then the rules on rounding marks inside boat gets the spot closest to the buoy. But you can't grab that inside overlap at the last minute. Must be before 2.5 boat lengths from buoy. Know the penalty for hitting buoy. (360 degree penalty turn usually) 720 degree penalty turn for any aledged give way infingement. Penalty turns to be ASAP.
On starts inside closest position on start buoy does not give you right of way around the start buoy. You can be pushed out.
They seem to me to be the essential rules for fleet racing. Understand how they work on the water and you are well on your way. good luck olewill

 

[Dill et Bound]

Guessing that OP is starting racing I am not sure that he will get very far with reading the rules book or in fact any serious book on rules. I would recommend get the basic rules into your head then get out there racing and as you move along in experience the complexity of rules starts to make more sense.
So first rules of port and starboard right of way then windward leeward boat right of way are critical.
I often need to call for water on an obstruction. This one enables you to ask a boat which you would colide with if you tacked to tack to give you room to tack to clear an obstruction. But you must tack immediately after he does.
Then the rules on rounding marks inside boat gets the spot closest to the buoy. But you can't grab that inside overlap at the last minute. Must be before 2.5 boat lengths from buoy. Know the penalty for hitting buoy. (360 degree penalty turn usually) 720 degree penalty turn for any aledged give way infingement. Penalty turns to be ASAP.
On starts inside closest position on start buoy does not give you right of way around the start buoy. You can be pushed out.
They seem to me to be the essential rules for fleet racing. Understand how they work on the water and you are well on your way. good luck olewill

Good advice.. Basics first..
The other way is to make sure that you practice sailing so you sail faster than anybody else therefore avoiding most of the rules anyway.. Good Luck...

 

[MikeBz]

This is a good introduction to dinghy racing, and would probably serve you well if you're a beginner interested in yacht racing too:

http://fernhurstbooks.com/product/racing-a-beginners-guide/

 

[temptress]

If you can find a copy then Start TO Win By Eric Twinname will cover thebasics

Otherwise try U tactics front North Sails the one of a set of 3.