It began in fine weather, then suddenly became a terrifying ordeal. A Force 10, sixty-knot storm swept across the North Atlantic with a speed that confounded forecasters, slamming into the fleet with epic fury. For twenty hours, 2,500 men and women were smashed by forty-foot breaking waves, while rescue helicopters and lifeboats struggled to save them. By the time the race was over, fifteen people had died, twenty-four crews had abandoned ship, five yachts had sunk, 136 sailors had been rescued, and only 85 boats had finished the race. John Rousmaniere was there, and he tells the tragic story of the greatest disaster in the history of yachting as only one who has sailed through the teeth of a killer storm can. With a new introduction by the author.

"The art of sailing, maneuvering, and preserving a ship or a boat in all positions and under all reasonable circumstances." With the addition of the words, "and some unreasonable circumstances, too," this definition of "seamanship" is as valid today as when the first edition of this book was published in 1983. The aim remains to advise you the sailor on essential gear, skills, and behavior that enhance your pleasure and safety.
This edition of "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" is an extensive update. Much of the text is new or revised, and there are many new photos. Throughout, the book stresses the skills and attitudes that comprise what the author calls "The Seamanship Ethos." The first four chapters cover the boat, basic sailing skills, sail trim, and weather, with the first of many "Hands On" sections with their tips.
The topics of health (including seasickness) and on board safety follow, with lessons learned from on-water tests and studies of boating accidents. We look closely at the elements of piloting, navigation, and electronics, including Digital Selective Calling, the U.S. Coast Guard's emergency communication system.
Moving on to the arts of traditional seamanship-- anchoring, heavy weather, and emergencies--there is much on modern equipment and skills, again based on experience. The book ends with boat maintenance and the traditions that make sailing the beloved pastime it is. Appendixes include best practices for protecting the marine environment and bringing up children under sail.

No Excuse to Lose is the book Dennis Conner still refers to as "the bible," He says (Time magazine, 9 February 1987), "I like to compete. I guess I don't dislike it, but my sailing is just bottom line, like adding up the score in bridge. My real interest is in the tremendous game of life."

From "abaft" to "Zulu," including terms as new as "bowrider" and as old as "starboard," here is the language of pleasure boating—clearly defined terms that today's sailors and powerboaters rely on to make their way safely and happily upon America's coastal waters.

Instant answers for your boat handling, navigation, and seamanship questions

"The Instant Handbook" uses a dynamic new quick-reference format to cover the critical aspects of piloting, seamanship, and boat handling under sail or power more accessibly and effectively than has ever been done before. It puts at your fingertips all the information you need about: Boat Handling Under Power--Bob Sweet Sail Trim and Rig Tuning--Bill Gladstone Using Nautical Charts--Bob Sweet Using GPS--Bob Sweet Using VHF and SSB Radios--Bob Sweet Rules of the Road and Running Light Patterns--Charlie Wing Knots, Splices, and Line Handling--Charlie Wing Anchoring--Peter Nielsen Onboard Weather Forecasting--Bob Sweet Heavy Weather Sailing--John Rousmaniere Diesel Engine Care and Repair--Nigel Calder Emergencies On Board--John Rousmaniere Emergency First Aid On Board--Richard Clinchy

An Innovative Log, Guest Register, and
Boat's Data Manual

An all-in-one guide, this log includes complete, clear listings of the crucial routines, equipment, safety gear, and other data that every skipper must have on hand.

This unique log will help make every boat owner a reliable captain, a sound seafarer, and a good host. It combines the features of a boat's customized manual with a boat owner's personal diary and guest register, striking a balance between practicality, flexibility, and thoroughness that all boaters will value. The log provides ample space to record the complete daily record of a boat's cruises and activities, including entries for course steered, speed, distance traveled, weather, tides, barometric pressure, and personal observations. It features tricks of the pilot's trade, those easily forgotten mathematical shortcuts to coastal navigation. A new safe cruising section provides concise descriptions of how to radio for help or rescue a person overboard; and, for those who love the traditions of flying flags afloat, a guide to flag etiquette has been added. This handsome log and quick-reference resource will become an essential companion aboard every yacht afloat.

John Rousmaniere, one of America's leading nautical authorities, has logged more than thirty-five thousand miles of blue-water sailing, all of it thoroughly recorded. He is the author of The Annapolis Book of Seamanship and Fastnet, Force 10 (Norton) and is host of the Annapolis Book of Seamanship Video Series.

Completely revised edition with additional features and a new foreword.

From America's leading sailing authority, the first lively, authoritative guide to the language of boating and the sea.

From "abaft" to "Zulu," including terms as new as "bowrider" and as old as "starboard," here is the language of pleasure boating—clearly defined terms that today's sailors and powerboaters rely on to make their way safely and happily upon America's waters. Families of related terms are grouped together in special sections.

• QUIZ: What do the following phrases mean: head up, harden up, come up, round up, freshen your wind, sharpen up, sharpen your wind, heat it up?
• ANSWER: The same thing: "steer closer to the wind."