The Annapolis Book of Seamanship. Third Edition, Completely Revised, Expanded and Updated

Editorial Review
Since the publication of the widely hailed first edition in 1983, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship has set the standard by which other books on sailing are measured. Used throughout America as a textbook in sailing schools and Power Squadrons, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship thoroughly and clearly covers the fundamental and advanced skills of modern sailing. This edition of Annapolis is a major overhaul. Over half the book has been revised; old topics and features have been updated, and many new ones have been introduced. The design has been modernized, and many color illustrations have been added.

As big and detailed as Annapolis is, the wealth of technical information (including dozens of step-by-step instructions) is presented here in a way that is uniquely readable; it's both useful and easy to use. This is because John Rousmaniere and artist Mark Smith bring to Annapolis decades of experience both as sailors and as professional communicators.

Annapolis emphasizes the standard skills and proven methods that eliminate error and confusion, ensure security in emergencies, and allow every sailor more time for enjoyment on the water. Much has changed on the water since 1983 when this book was originally published. Black buoys are now green, the Global Positioning Satellite navigation system (GPS) is almost universally used, new types of anchors and sails have appeared, safety skills and gear are vastly improved, many more women are commanding boats, and catamarans and trimarans are common where only monohulls used to sail.

But for all these modern developments, the basic skills and spirit of sailing have not changed at all. Sail trimming, keeping up steerageway, maintaining the dead reckoning plot, heaving-to -- these fundamentals are as important now as ever and receive much attention here. Among the innovations in this edition are:

* Basic skills in early chapters: Fundamental sailing and boat-handling skills and gear, which are introduced in chapters 1, 2, and 3.

* "Hands On" segments: Three dozen special sections, each devoted to a particular seamanship problem and an expert solution.

* More how-to tips: Additional rules of thumb that guide a crew quickly and successfully through seamanship problems.

* New coverage of multihulls: Advice on evaluating, anchoring, and handling catamarans and trimarans under sail (including in storms).

* More on emergencies: New material on emergencies, safety, and heavy-weather sailing, including a section on preparing a docked boat for a hurricane.

* Equipment updates: Expanded coverage of the use and care of modern gear and hardware, including radar, GPS, rescue devices, and asymmetrical spinnakers.

* Terminology: Full definition and illustration of major terms when they're first introduced, with alternative language provided in parentheses.

* Gender: The use of feminine personal pronouns, which reflect the fact that more women are captaining and sailing boats than ever before.

From navigation and seamanship to boat and gear maintenance, from pleasure cruising to heavy-weather sailing, here is the definitive, state-of-the-art guide that provides systematic step-by-step techniques to see you through every situation on deck and in the cockpit.
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Customer Reviews

Smooth sailing

2006-02-17
Unlike some reference books that I have seen, the Annapolis Book of Seamanship is clearly written and understandable for this novice.

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship

2005-10-03
This book could be considered the bible on sailing. It is all here. Every aspect of a boat under sail is clearly presented.

An awesome resource!!!

2005-09-23
I am not yet a sailor, I am just exploring the area for the first time. This book is an incredible reference, teaching more than just the basics. There is alot of detail here, but it's written and illustrated in a way that eliminates any intimidation you might encounter in such tricky concepts as leeway, tacking and safety.

Experienced or not, do not hesitate to purchase this tremendous resource!

A Classic in Need of a New Edition

2005-08-24
I have a copy of the "Annapolis Book of Seamanship," 3rd edition dated 1999. I have the highest regard for John Rousmaniere and the great contribution this book makes to sailing. There is information in this book that is hard to find. The text is extremely well written, useful, and informative. However, as I write this review in 2005, I suspect most of us would find some of the photos have a dated look and feel. If you compare the third edition of "Annapolis" to the current edition of "Chapman's", you will see that "Annapolis" looks dated. The increased use of color and the increased use of higher resolution photos would help better illustrate the knowledge that the author is trying to communicate. Some updates of the text would be of value, for example as related to electronics. Despite the areas for updating in the third edition, "Annapolis" is well worth the price for any sailor's library.

It's all you need but the boat and water!

2004-08-19
I purchased this book feeling that Chapman's was the bible of boating. I expected the Annapolis Book of Seamanship to be a sail boat owners version of the same, covering much of the same ground with a slant toward the sailor. I now know that this is only half true! John Rousmaniere, who I have since had the honor of meeting, presents a no nonsense look at sailing and seamanship. He takes this sailing business very seriously and doesn't fudge on anything. His own sailing experience has taught him that sailing can be dangerous and that the sea or any large body of water is to be dealt with respectfully, safely and with a base of knowledge and preparedness. John knows his stuff and is unquestionably one of the country's most knowledgeable seamen. His words are like gold to every sailor.

Fantastic Sailing reference

2008-04-28
I highly recommend this book for any aspect of sailing knowledge.

My brother found a first edition of this book in someone's trash, and grabbed it for me, as he knew I was a sailor and thought it might be useful or important. I had learned to sail from "Sailing for Dummies"; this, however, is (or should be) the bible for learning to sail. It is the only sailing book I've read that has described how to fly a spinnaker in a useful manner.

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship

2007-08-23
Reading this book will shorten any sailor's learning curve. It covers all aspects of the sport. John Rousmanierehas compiled an amazing reference/textbook that is interesting, informative and invaluable. I highly recommend this book to sailors at all levels of proficiency. Thank you Mr. Rousmaniere for this wonderful resource.

Covers all basic and intermediate seamanship knowledge

2006-12-28
Great book for acquiring basic and intermediate seamanship knowledge. Also very useful as reference for refreshing your knowledge.

One Hand For Yourself, One Hand For The Ship

2006-07-27
THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP by John Rousmaniere is the ur-text on sailing used by virtually every sailing school as its primary educational source. Now in its third edition, this eminently readable and well illustrated book is encyclopedic in its scope, crammed full of practical information about sailing vessels, the mechanics of sailing them, and the traditions of sailing. It's a measure of the excellence of THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP how familiarly Rousmaniere presents this largely alien topic with its many very specialized terms of art.

Rousmaniere wisely eschews most of the romance of sailing in favor of much more important considerations, such as boat care, boat handling, and especially safety at sea. Sailing may be enjoyable and it may be challenging, but it is also a dangerous avocation by its very nature, and the author never lets "salty talk" befog that issue. This is NOT a quick reference book for those who want to hoist the jolly roger and give no quarter while tied to the dock; this is a bible for serious SAILORS, whether on the local lake, Puget Sound or the South China Sea

While it can't give you the hands-on experience that being before the mast confers, THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP will give you the theory and information you need to make the most of that experience.

Has good info...

2006-07-05
This book has some pretty good info and is quite comprehensive and well laid out. If you're going to buy 1 book, let it be this one. That's if you ever get around to reading it (it being so comprehensive and all) it's almost easier to go out sailing than trawl through it's many pages! But a worthwhile reference.