Which technical books to read?

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out_to_sea

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Hi I'm completely new to sailing but hooked already... I'm looking for book recommendations which are technical enough to teach me properly but also not to technical that I won't understand any of it. I'm looking for books on navigation, seamanship and radio use.

Thanks

Andy
 
For the complete beginner, you can't beat the 'Go' series from the RYA 'Go Sailing' and/or 'Go Cruising' by Claudia Myatt.

I had better declare an interest as the author is my mrs, but as they are now in six languages they are widely regarded.
 
The books published by the RYA are a very good starting place. [the ones I mean are "Competent Crew", "Day Skipper" and "Yachtmaster"]. These are especially good because they are very well illustrated.

Also good is "Cruising Under Sail" by Eric Hiscock.
 
Thanks everyone... keep the suggestions coming /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Perry no one likes a name dropper (just messing I will order a copy today!)

Thanks Andy
 
Tom Cunliffe............I guess you either love him or hate him.

A bit too far up his own backside for my liking, and a lot of his work is simplistic in the extreme...........I guess I'm not in the love him brigade.... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
CJ
 
RYA - Boat Handling for Sail & Power by Rob Gibson

A recently produced guide, helpful and very well laid out, good value. Handling a sailing boat under motor is a skill that can only be really learnt by doing, but it helps if you know the principles and basics beforehand and this book is very good on both.
 
What do I do about a log book for myself?

Ideally I want something to keep as a 'keepsake' to, I didn't know if I should draw out my own page and find a nice binder to file them in? I don't want to spend a fortune.

Cheers Andy
 
Some people on here have set up word doc templates for a diy logbook and may be able to supply a copy, but personally, I don't like the idea of a loose leaf logbook- IMO details should be entered and be obliged to remain there, for better or worse. The more detailed logbooks look to be super records to have to look back on trips, but particularly in the early days, when activities are usually more basic, one of the cheaper books should suffice- I use the Fernhurst paperback one, about £10 and I don't start a new page for each trip, so have 3 seasons recorded in one book thus far. No reason why you couldn't use a simple notebook tho.
If you do RYA training , the course books also have pages for recording sailing trips etc
 
I like the Imray logbook. It is a handy size and consists of a stout re-usable cover plus a block of refill pages which cost about 4quid.
The grid is simple and not cluttered with sections that you may never want to use. The opposite/back pages are clear so you can jot notes, weather forecasts, sketches etc. When full, you remove the block which remains readable like a paperback book.
 
books are good but sailing as many different types of boats as you can, with an inquiring eye, is the best way to learn. Lots of practice during the season and "armchair sailing" with books over the winter!
 
I don't think anyone should be above criticism but describing Cunliffe's advice as 'simplistic in the extreme' puzzles me. I think most regard his ability to distill complicated subjects down to their essentials without over-simplfying them as his great strength. His astro nav book is outstanding in this regard.
Perhaps he is a little up his own arse but celebrity is apt to have that effect of people.
 
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