Competent Crew

Friends have invited you for a sailing weekend - it's an exciting prospect if you haven't been to sea before but it can be a bit daunting. What will I have to do? Do I need to be able to tie knots? What do I wear? Will I be safe? Lots of questions like these may cross your mind - the aim of this book is to give you the background information you will need to make your initial voyages afloat very interesting and enjoyable experiences.
To be a useful crew member you don't need experience when sailing with a good skipper. You just need to listen and learn, and try to act promptly when asked to do something. Being a novice crewmember should be a fun time - you have all the enjoyment of sailing but not the overall responsibility of navigating and managing the boat. Also you will be learning new skills all the time ranging from tying essential knots to preparing meals afloat, taking compass bearings and steering the boat.
You will also learn about sail trim - how sailors make the best use of the wind to speed along - and what to do if you get into a blow and need to slow down a bit. Anchoring and mooring are essential skills to master -you will learn how to choose the best sheltered cove where you can stop for lunch and a swim - the idyllic side of sailing on a hot summer's day.
Of course there is a serious side to sailing. You will have safety briefings and carry out man overboard drills. You will understand about the potential dangers of being out at sea in a small boat and learn the Rule of the Road and how to deal with emergency situations. But once you have some knowledge and skills you will gain confidence which will add to your enjoyment. This is what sailing is all about.

Содержание
Introduction
1 Going aboard
2 Parts of the boat
3 Knots and ropework
4 Getting ready to sail
5 How the boat sails
6 Finding the way
7 Steering a course
8 How to read a chart
9 Weather watching
10 Rules of the road
11 Going into harbour
12 Anchoring and mooring
13 Flags and sailing etiquette
14 Safety afloat
15 Emergencies
Sailing quiz
Answers to the quiz
Appendix 1 - Course syllabus
Appendix 2 - Glossary
Index