High Performance Sailing, by Frank Bethwaite.

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I didn't realise how complicated wind, waves, and sails could be when you are looking for that last bit of performance.

 

[BobPrell]

I have a problem

It is certainly complicated, and Bethwaite does a superb job of explaining it all. I can't say simplifying, because when you have a complex subject, if an explanation becomes too simple, it will become inadequate.

The problem for me is, that this sort of book begins from, and reinforces, the premise that the only thing worth doing on the water is going really fast!!

I would give as an example, the chapter where he explains that the best way to teach youngsters to sail (ie go really fast) is to have them do a lot of work ashore on a simulator first, otherwise they have to waste a lot of time rigging, launching and getting their boats out through the moorings onto the racing course.

I admire his practical scientific research carried out over many years.

 

[zlod]

I was disappointed by this book. It is all very possible that Frank's techniques / observations work, but I think that the "scientific" observations / principles are pseudo-science. I found [what I considered to be] the pseudo-science to be too irritating to get too far with the book.

I get the impression that a lot of other people really rate this book though.

 

[BobPrell]

I was disappointed by this book. It is all very possible that Frank's techniques / observations work, but I think that the "scientific" observations / principles are pseudo-science.

I apologize for not coming back to this thread sooner.

Can you give an example of something in the book you consider to be pseudo-science?