The Annapolis Book of Seamanship: Third Edition, Completely Revised, Expanded and Updated

I am not yet a sailor, I am just exploring the area for the first time. This book is an incredible reference, teaching more than just the basics. There is alot of detail here, but it's written and illustrated in a way that eliminates any intimidation you might encounter in such tricky concepts as leeway, tacking and safety.

Experienced or not, do not hesitate to purchase this tremendous resource!

I have a copy of the "Annapolis Book of Seamanship," 3rd edition dated 1999. I have the highest regard for John Rousmaniere and the great contribution this book makes to sailing. There is information in this book that is hard to find. The text is extremely well written, useful, and informative. However, as I write this review in 2005, I suspect most of us would find some of the photos have a dated look and feel. If you compare the third edition of "Annapolis" to the current edition of "Chapman's", you will see that "Annapolis" looks dated. The increased use of color and the increased use of higher resolution photos would help better illustrate the knowledge that the author is trying to communicate. Some updates of the text would be of value, for example as related to electronics. Despite the areas for updating in the third edition, "Annapolis" is well worth the price for any sailor's library.

I purchased this book feeling that Chapman's was the bible of boating. I expected the Annapolis Book of Seamanship to be a sail boat owners version of the same, covering much of the same ground with a slant toward the sailor. I now know that this is only half true! John Rousmaniere, who I have since had the honor of meeting, presents a no nonsense look at sailing and seamanship. He takes this sailing business very seriously and doesn't fudge on anything. His own sailing experience has taught him that sailing can be dangerous and that the sea or any large body of water is to be dealt with respectfully, safely and with a base of knowledge and preparedness. John knows his stuff and is unquestionably one of the country's most knowledgeable seamen. His words are like gold to every sailor.

When I started sailing my 27 foot sloop, I knew very little about sailing. I bought this book and used it to teach myself to sail. Now years later I still refer to it from time to time. I definitely think this is one of several books that all sailors should have on their bookshelves. I keep The Annapolis Book of Seamanship handy on my boat at all times.

I just finished a ton of sailing classes,starting w/the Laser & moving on to bigger and better, but NOT WITHOUT the help of this book!!YOU wanna SAIL?FOR REAL?BUY IT!READ IT!LEARN IT!LIVE IT!You can't lose...or drowned!