Table of Contents

CONTENTS
The American Sailing Association by Harry Munns, Executive Vice President, ASA
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
PART ONE
INTRODUCTION TO SAILING
Overview: The Sailboat and the Wind
ASHORE KNOWLEDGE
All About Boats
The Basic Boat
Responsibilities of the Skipper and Crew
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats
Review Questions
SKILLS AFLOAT
Boarding
Sailing Checklist
Attaching the Sails
Rigging Checklist
Using Winches
Raising the Mainsail
Getting the Boat Moving
Getting Out of Irons
Coming About or Tacking (Mainsail Only)
Jibing (Mainsail Only)
Raising the Jib
Reaching with Mainsail and Jib
Coming About with Mainsail and Jib
Sailing a Figure Eight
Jibing with Mainsail and Jib
Ending the Sail
Stowing Sails
Docking
Summary
PART TWO
BASIC SAILING
ASHORE KNOWLEDGE
Sail Trim
What Makes a Boat Sail
Points of Sail
Rules of the Road under Sail
Review Questions
SKILLS AFLOAT
Communications
Sailing Close-hauled
Sailing on a Run
Sailing on a Reach
Stopping the Boat
Summary
PART THREE
SAFETY AND SEAMANSHIP
ASHORE KNOWLEDGE
The Safety Harness
Deck Safety
Hypothermia and Clothing
Seasickness
Review Questions
SKILLS AFLOAT
Sailing a Triangular Course
Rescuing a Man Overboard
Sailing in Confined Waters
Summary
PART FOUR
BASIC SEAMANSHIP SKILLS
ASHORE KNOWLEDGE
Daysail Planning
Chart Symbols
Aids to Navigation
Anchors and Their Uses
The Anchorage
Knots
Dock Lines and Their Uses
Review Questions
SKILLS AFLOAT
Anchoring
Heaving To
Docking under Sail
Mooring
Summary
PART FIVE
BASIC COASTAL CRUISING I
ASHORE KNOWLEDGE
Terms and Definitions
Running Lights
Duties of Skipper and Crew for Cruising
Rules of the Road under Power
Essential Safety Equipment
Review Questions
SKILLS AFLOAT
Engine Operation -- Outboards
Troubleshooting the Engine
Handling a Vessel under Power
Summary
PART SIX
BASIC COASTAL CRUISING II
ASHORE KNOWLEDGE
Sail Selection
Weather
Heavy-Weather Sailing
Reefing Systems
The Magnetic Compass
Preparing for Coastal Cruising
Running Aground and Other Nuisances
Review Questions
SKILLS AFLOAT
Reefing
Sailing a Compass Course
Steering with the Sails
Basic Coastal Cruising Checklist
Summary
PART SEVEN
SPECIAL SAILING INFORMATION
Special Sailing Information
Dinghy Sailing
Sailboards
Catamarans
Launching, Storing, and Maintaining Your Boat
A Final Word
APPENDIX A
Answers to Review Questions
APPENDIX B
Float Plan
APPENDIX C
Equipment Checklists
GLOSSARY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INDEX

About the Author

Gary Jobson lives in Annapolis, Maryland.