Sailing Smart: Winning Techniques, Tactics, and Strategies [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

This book is a fast read, so it's easy to recognize (and reinforce) what you already know, while picking out the new stuff you didn't know that will help you race faster.

As an example, here are three things that I benefited from immediately. After you read the book, you'll have your own list.

1. The mental aspect of boat preparation. You have to do whatever it takes to KNOW that your boat is fast and ready to win. Otherwise, when you're going slow you'll be making excuses instead of finding what's wrong and fixing it.

2. A killer diagram showing spinnaker pole positioning for reaching. This diagram makes it completely obvious what to do, but it's TOTALLY contrary to the "prevailing wisdom" among most of the folks I sail with. But the first time I used Buddy's position, boy did we point with that chute!

3. A great description of "feathering" the boat upwind on the beat.

As always, the winning combination is read, then sail, read some more, sail some more, then repeat. If you don't go on the water to practice, no book can help you.

The downside is that the book was written before the new racing rules came into effect, so be sure you're fully familiar with the rules before taking Buddy's advice on tactics that rely specifically on rules for their validity. (For example, in one circumstance the advice to a leeward boat is to luff up quickly, and "tap" a windward boat, fouling them out of the race. You'll be on thin ice if you try this in the new rules, with their clear emphasis on the importance of avoiding collisions.)

This is a short, easy to read book. You can knock it off in a couple of hours. What you learn in reading is how to win. No fancy tunning tricks, just the things you need to know how to win--the basics. His record proves the point. It is the best use of $10 I can think of to improve your skills. I'm a sailing instructor and plan to apply some of his ideas to my instruction.

This review refers to "Sailing Smart" By Buddy Melges and Charles Mason...

Sailing season is in full swing. Day sailors, live aboards and racers are taking to the water, and although there is something to be gotten from this read for all of the above mentioned, this is a must read and geared towards racing sailors, and particularly Skippers. It is not a book for beginners, or those wanting to learn how to sail. A good knowledge of boating and sailing terms, and hands on experience is practically a prerequisite.It's for those serious about the sport.For those looking for more along the lines of help with the basics, I would recommend "Basic Sailing"(Diana Jessie) or "Sailing Fundamentals(Gary Jobson). These are both a great help, have glossaries and will prepare you for your certification test. See my reviews if interested. If you are completely new, hands-on lessons are a must.

"Sailing Smart" is an excellent look at what it takes for racers to become champions. It's a treasure chest of advice from a champion. It's a read that you will not only find extremely helpful, but one that is so well written and interesting to racers, that you can read it straight through the first time around, and use it often to refer back to and practice(practice, practice) for specific maneuvers.

Melges will take you from the beginning; preparing yourself and your crew, mentally and physically,preparing your equipment, understanding the elements, tactics for every leg of the race from the starting point to the finish, and some wonderful reflections on racing and winning. Every detail, no matter how small is talked about, and readiness for every situation that may occur is stressed. There are times when inches may make a difference, and this book will help you gain them. You will also find many illustrations, so you can visualize the maneuvers talked about.

This book is nearly 20 years old. Sure there is new equipment coming out all the time, but "Sailing Smart" is just that. Smart Sailing! Learning to work with mother nature, getting the most from your sails, getting just the shape you need to pick up some speed, these things will never be out of date.

A must have for every Skipper's library.(also a good read for crew members as well).I think even the very experienced can gain from the read. Just reading it through the first time will have you wanting to get involved in a race, and practicing the maneuvers, learning to read the wind will build your confidence as well.

If you think about sailing all the time, this book is for you. After the read, you will not be able to think of anything else!

See you at the finish line!....Laurie

More recommended reading:
Boating Skills and Seamanship (12th Edition)
To the Sea
In the Heart of the Sea: The Epic True Story That Inspired "Moby Dick"