The Complete Sailor. Learning the Art of Sailing

Editorial Review
The Complete Sailor takes the reader from the first sail to a mastery of small-boat handling. Weaving his writing around 600 drawings by noted marine illustrator Kelly Mulford, David Seidman has created a book in which each double-page spread invites the eye and communicates volumes of information. The Complete Sailor goes beyond other learn-to-sail books to cover navigation, boat design, and seamanship. Encyclopedic in scope yet warm in style, it conveys the magic as well as the techniques of sailing. Among the other topics covered: anchoring, ropework, rigging, weather, fog, squalls, currents and tides, rules of the road, trailering, and working the winds. The book is a gentle introduction for those just starting out, and a guide to new horizons for those who already sail.
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Customer Reviews

just my style

2007-08-10
After sailing by bits and pieces since I was a child, I had no formal instruction of any kind. when I finally succumed to yacht ownership, where mistakes can be costly, I looked arund to find a single, straightforward book what would confirm what I had been doing right, let me know what I was doing wrong, and show me volumes of stuff I never would have figured out. ...and the illustrations are cool!

For the Intermediate Sailor

2007-04-10
If you've been sailing for a little while and are looking to expand your knowledge, this book will give you many great tips.

One of the best post-beginners guides

2007-03-28
I recently took up sailing and bought this book, along with some others, as a general reference to accompany my lessons. The first time I read it through it seemed OK but nothing special, but having now acquired some skills it is really becoming useful. Every time I re-read it (as I have done several times) the amount of detail and practical information seems to increase, and that is not necessarily the case with other books.

The author has packed an immense amount of information into a small book, but it is best for refreshing the memory or consolidating practical knowledge learned in lessons - sort of a second opinion. Reading Seidman after a lesson is like talking things over with an experienced sailor who straightens everything out for you.

It is not, however, the best book for absolute beginners, simply because it is so very packed with concise information, and a lot goes over the neophyte's head. For absolute beginners the very best books are the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sailing series - they are exceptional.

Sailing Knowledge

2007-01-11
Great book for beginners and the online book is handy to have for printing small sections. I enjoyed reading the book.

Why offer a product that is unavailable

2007-01-10
I ordered this book from Amazon in August of 2006. It's now January of 2007 and I still don't have it. Every month, Amazon has asked me to be patient and has given me a new anticipated ship date. I can't understand why they offer a product that is not stocked and not available.

Awesome book

2008-07-06
As a non-sailor just getting into the world of sailing, I've found this book extremely helpful and easy to digest. The explanations are accompanied by beautiful drawings, which helps explain topics such as wind direction. My boyfriend, who is a competitive sailor, says that the book is very accurate and explains important topics well. We both give this book five stars.

Great Book

2008-05-27
If you are looking for the book which has all info in one and gives you simple and interesting advises and knowledge - this is great buy!!! You will Love this book.

For beginners - A MUST

2008-01-12
New at sailing? Don't go further without buying this book. Delightful, informative, artistic, succinct. I bought 5 books on sailing after falling inlove with it and this is the best one.
Buy two and give one to a friend.

good beginners reference

2007-10-01
lots of black and white drawings make the info clear..very basic..great starter, add to your library

Sailing for the VERY first time

2007-09-20
For the skilled sailer the book will be a dissapointment.
That said, the book will be an important source of all kinds of maritim knowledge for the beginner.