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The Annapolis Book of Seamanship

Fourth Edition

Illustrated by Mark Smith

LIST PRICE ₹2,335.00

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About The Book

Completely revised and updated to address changes in technology, this new edition is the definitive guide to the art and science of sailing.

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.

About The Author

John Rousmaniere, a devoted sailor since youth, has some 40,000 miles of blue water behind him, including ocean passages, nine Newport–Bermuda Races, and other major races in small and big boats.

In 2013 the US Sailing Association honored Rousmaniere’s work in boating education, including The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, by presenting him with its Timothea Larr Award, which recognizes “a person whose vision and guidance have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of sailor education in the United States.”

He has spoken at more than 100 safety seminars and clinics across North America and served on the Safety-at-Sea Committees of US Sailing and the Cruising Club of America, the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, and review panels of boating accidents. He is a member of the Cruising Club of America, the New York Yacht Club, and US Sailing, and serves on the selection committees of the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.

He coordinated the US Sailing Association’s Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal program, which recognizes mariners who make rescues. John’s videos include The Annapolis Book of Seamanship DVD Series. In 2014 Mystic Seaport presented him its W.P. Stephens Award for contributions to yachting history.

Rousmaniere is a chronicler of the pastime he loves. He has written books about sailing history, yacht design, the America’s Cup, maritime photography, and storms. His book Fastnet, Force 10 was hailed as “A narrative worthy of the best sea literature.” Stuart Woods said about After the Storm, “No one writes about the violence of the sea better than John Rousmaniere.”

Descended from a French soldier who fought in the American Revolution, Rousmaniere lives in New York City with his wife, Leah Ruth Robinson. He takes special pleasure racing in classic wooden boats, cruising across the Gulf Stream in more modern ones, and exploring marshes with his grandchildren in a small catboat.

About The Illustrator

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster (January 7, 2014)
  • Length: 416 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781451650242

Raves and Reviews

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship is an essential book for every mariner, and a must-read reference for every seasoned or first-time sailor. I keep one copy at home and another on my boat. Every topic is easy to find, and the graphics and pictures are extremely helpful. John has had a remarkable career as a top small boat sailor, blue water racer, and adventure cruiser and is one of America's most acclaimed experts on safety at sea.”

– Gary Jobson

“There is no other book as comprehensive or as readable as The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, and this 4th edition sets a new benchmark. Completely revised sections, including safety, heavy weather, electronics, health, emergencies and more, make the book more than 50% new. This is the one book that should be on every sailor’s bookshelf.”

– Chris Caswell, editor of CharterSavvy,author Greatest Sailing Stories Ever Told

“Since the first edition, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship has been the definitive source for sailing and seamanship. The new 4th edition brings this essential reference up to date with the latest in equipment and sailing technique. There is nothing else like it. Clear and concise, yet complete; The Annapolis Book of Seamanship covers this vast topic with a clarity in organization, language, and presentation to allow thorough understanding, and with enough depth and detail to provide real substance. This is the book I go to, and the one I recommend to sailors of every experience level.”

– Bill Gladstone, Director, North U, co-author The Instant Handbook of Boat Handling, Navigation, and Seamanship

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