The Art of Seamanship

Wind, waves, weather, and water demand the practiced art of seamanship"Planning and reacting to the unanticipated are the flip sides of seamanship. This blending of pre-voyage preparedness with effective on-the-water response is learned rather than inherent--together they define the art of seamanship." -- Author RALPH NARANJO Each time a sailboat casts off its docklines the sailor enters a marine realm that demands knowledge, preparedness, vigilance, and coolheadedness--these qualities are the foundation of good seamanship. Both an art as well as a science, seamanship is also the mastery of numerous practical details, from the best choice of line for a jib sheet to an accurate assessment of the passage of a deep low-pressure system. Around-the-world sailor Ralph Naranjo--technical expert, ocean racer, former Vanderstar Chair at the U.S. Naval Academy--delivers a priceless reference for anything that comes up while on the water, sharing all the knowledge today's sailors need to "hand, reef, and steer"--an enduring reference to the collective skills of the bluewater sailor. Naranjo's vast knowledge is supported by real-life examples of sailing mishaps, sample itineraries, vibrant photos, as well as first-hand accounts and sidebarsfrom top sailors and marine experts, including Shelia McCurdy, Chuck Hawley, Lee Chesneau, and Paul Miller, N.A.Seamanship is a dynamic art, demanding full attention from the sailor amidst a constant flow of information and knowledge. The Art of Seamanship will improve your problem-solving skills, whether daysailing around the harbor or voyaging around the world. You'll learn: The attributes of a good skipper and crew—includingphysical and mental agility, effective communication, andknowledge-based decision makingFine-tuning your voyaging with the seaworthiness of your boat and the capability of your crew in mindUsing weather information and routing resources to lower risks and raise rewardsDeveloping advanced boat-handling skills—includinghe