The Sailing Handbook is the ideal guide for anyone who wants to get the most out of sailing. Brightly presented, clear and accessible, it is designed to teach the basics of sailing, increase your enjoyment of the sport, improve your technique, and ultimately, enable you to take part in professional competitions. Designed for easy reference, with over 500 colour photographs and explanatory illustrations, it presents clear and comprehensive guidance on the different parts of a boat: - Choosing a boat for pleasure and performance - How a boat sails - Its fittings and equipment - How to anchor and pick up a mooring - Handling ropes - Navigating - Understanding tides and buoyage - Using radar - Reading the weather - Safety at sea - Care and repair of the boat - Buying, selling, chartering and insuring. The Sailing Handbook is ideal for novices of all ages.