
This straightforward handbook opens the world of sailing to anyone who has never set foot on a boat. Written with the complete beginner in mind, it translates the specialized language of the sea into clear, everyday terms, offering step‑by‑step explanations of everything from rigging a small sail to reading the wind. Readers will find a helpful glossary that defines each nautical term as it applies to modest craft, making the learning curve gentle and confidence‑building.
The guide also stresses the essential safety habits that keep new sailors out of trouble, beginning with the simple but vital skill of swimming. It warns against common pitfalls such as overloading a vessel or attempting reckless stunts, and recommends choosing a modest, capsizable boat that responds predictably to the helm. With practical tips on handling, trimming, and steering, the book equips aspiring skippers to enjoy calm, rewarding days on the water.
Full title
On Yacht Sailing A Simple Treatise for Beginners upon the Art of Handling Small Yachts and Boats
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (64K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Mark C. Orton, Marc-Andre Seekamp and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2014-04-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1861–1927
A pioneering voice in American sailing, he turned his love of boats and the sea into books, poems, and magazine writing that helped popularize yachting for a wider audience. Best known for founding and editing The Rudder, he wrote with the enthusiasm of someone who truly lived the life afloat.
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