The Craft of Sail: A Primer of Sailing

By Jan Adkins

This book for all ages really is an excellent guide to understand how wind and water affect boats. Aside from basic seamanship, Jan also includes drawings of the primary types of sailboats, so you'll see what makes a cutter a cutter, a schooner a schooner, etc. The illustrations will hold the attention of young readers, while older readers will appreciate the clear, concise explanations of concepts like vectors — using ants and peanuts!

It is a favored text for WoodenBoat Magazine's "Elements of Seamanship" course — teaching adults to sail. This is a much-beloved book was out of print for several — and we are so pleased to bring it back to life.