For anyone learning to sail in either dinghies or yachts, this book is easy to read with lively colour illustrations. Now in a larger format, this is a no-nonsense guide for beginners of all ages and is valuable as a back-up to sailing courses or for anyone learning to sail with a friend. It covers how to start sailing, the different kinds of boats you will sail in, various parts of a boat, rigging and launching a dinghy, getting going in a yacht, how a boat sails, handling ropes and tying knots, the effect of the tide, the weather, living aboard a yacht and what is on a chart. 'A useful first introduction' The Little Ship 'An ideal book for the absolute beginner? a no-nonsense primer' Kelvin Hughes