Boating: Sport and leisure Books

Book SynopsisTales of escape and adventure on Britain's waterways; In The Pull of the River two foolhardy explorers do what we would all love to do: they turn their world upside down and seek adventure on their very own doorstep.; In a handsome, homemade canoe, painted a joyous nautical red the colour of Mae West's lips, Matt and his friend James delve into a watery landscape that invites us to see the world through new eyes.; Over chalk, gravel, clay and mud; through fields, woodland, villages, towns and cities, they reveal many places that otherwise go unnoticed and perhaps unloved, finding delight in the Waveney, Stour, Alde/Ore, upper and lower Thames, Lark, Great Ouse, Granta and Cam, Wye, Otter, Colne, Severn and the Great Glen Trail.; Showing that it is still possible to get lost while knowing exactly where you are, The Pull of the River is a beautifully written exploration of nature, place and friendship, and an ode to the great art - and joy - of adventure.Trade Review"Engaging and beautifully written ... Gaw's nature writing scintillates" - The Countryman; "It's just glorious ... a marvellous book ... it really put me in a good mood" - Georgey Spanswick, BBC Radio; "Beautifully written and highly engaging ... it cries out with a message from its pages - a message that life is an adventure and, if you have the physical capacity to do so, it's best spent out of that armchair - outdoors, active and immersed in nature" - East Anglian Daily Times; "Just started this and already have a hankering for a canoe and a long weekend on the river..." - EspressoCoco book blog; "Seen from the water, Britain's familiar landscapes are made mesmerisingly new. The Pull of the River is a hugely satisfying work of exploration and reclamation, and one that will have you itching to cast off on your own riparian adventure" - Melissa Harrison, author of Rain: Four Walks in English Weather; "Following in the long and distinguished tradition of The Wind in the Willows and Three Men in a Boat, Matt Gaw spends his time `messing about in boats'. In doing so, he entertains not only himself but us, in this delightful account of exploring the wonder of our waterways" -- Stephen Moss, author and naturalist; "A Lark for the soul" - Paul Evans, author of Field Notes from the Edge; "Gaw is an excellent writer ... [his] spirited book will encourage others to seek out such waterways, and to appreciate the importance of conserving them" - Nancy Campbell, Times Literary Supplement; "A joyful and beautifully written account ... if it doesn't make you want to pick up a paddle and head to your nearest river, you're reading it wrong" - Waterways World magazine; "A really enjoyable book, written with humour, a wry wit and a keen eye ... his research of the rivers uncovers those nuggets of information of the historical and cultural terrain that overlays the rivers and that makes this a much richer read as they paddle along. I also found it refreshing as Gaw brings no personal baggage to his watery voyages; it is just him and his friend taking the time to immerse themselves in the natural world, sleeping out under the stars and rediscovering a place where time moves at a very different rate to modern life; a world that few people see now days" - Half Man, Half Book ; "Jolly yet reflective ... I'm rooting for this to make next year's Wainwright Prize Longlist" - BookishBeck; "Rather wonderful ... An engaging travelogue of taking the slow route across England's inland waterways in a Canadian canoe belonging to an old friend" - Gather Outdoors blog for Adventurous Ink

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Book SynopsisFlares Up is a true story of adventure, tenacity and the capacity of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.Firefighter Paul Hopkins, 55, survives a brain haemorrhage. The experience motivates him to undertake the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge - to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. He teams up with entrepreneur Phil Pugh, who is aged 65but renowned for undertaking extreme physical challenges in honour of his disabled son. They encounter major financial and physical setbacks, which cause years of delays and put a strain on both their marriages. Finally, on 12 December 2019, in a fourth-hand 20ft wooden boat, they set off from the Canary Islands. Violent storms, 30ft waves and equipment failure leave both men seasick, dehydrated and sleep-deprived. Alone on the ocean, they are forced to examine their lives. Was the decision to undertake this challenge brave, selfish or foolish? After 70 days, nine hours and 11 minutes at sea, they cross the finish line, two changed men. Will either of their wives be there to greet them?Trade Review"McAnally's storytelling is so full and well rounded that the reader is always cheering for Paul and Phil and feels as though they are on the boat with them, and at the end wishes they were on that dock in Antigua. [She] spent over two years doing extensive research and it shows. Or rather it doesn't show because her writing flows effortlessly." * Carribean Compass Magazine *

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Book SynopsisStand-up Paddleboarding in Great Britain is the essential companion to anyone curious about one of Britain’s most exciting water sports. Providing details on how to get started in stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, this guide then suggests over 30 incredible places to SUP in England, Scotland and Wales.Enthusiastic paddleboarder Jo Moseley captures the joy of SUP by weaving together her experiences with suggestions for your own adventures. These routes will inspire you to gaze at fell tops from Derwent Water, drift along the Afon Teifi, stroll along the Isle of Mull’s Calgary Bay or spot another SUPer on London’s Regent’s Canal.Including information on each route’s difficulty, public transport, parking, refreshments and equipment hire, as well as stunning photography and overview maps, this book has something for both SUP enthusiasts and beginners. But most importantly, it exudes a passion for SUP which will inspire anyone who reads it.Table of ContentsIntroductionThe history and growth of SUPHow to get started in SUPEquipment and kitSafetyPlanningWeatherBeing environmentally thoughtful and responsibleHow I decided which places to includeWalesOxwich Bay Afon TeifiLlangrannog to TresaithLlyn Tegid (Lake Bala)Llandudno West and North Shore, Great OrmeScotlandPortencross and Largs, the CumbraesSound of Kerrera and Ganavan Sands, ObanIsle of MullLoch Morlich and Loch NessKenmore and Killin, Loch TaySt Andrews and the East Neuk of FifeEnglandCullercoats Bay to St Mary’s LighthouseRunswick BayTrent Loop, NottinghamWells-next-the-SeaRegent’s Canal, LondonMaidenhead and Cliveden House, River ThamesRoyal Military Canal, KentOld Harry Rocks, WeymouthSidmouth, East DevonRiver Exe and Exeter Ship CanalSalcombeLooe Island and Mullion CoveLostwithiel to Fowey Harbour, River FoweyPorthpean, St AustellThe Gannel, NewquayBristol Harbourside and Kennet and Avon CanalBridgnorth, River SevernRoyal Albert Dock, LiverpoolSkipton to Foulridge Tunnel, Leeds and Liverpool CanalUllswaterDerwent WaterFurther reading, listening and watchingAcknowledgements

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Book SynopsisA brand new chart of the Sicilian Channel, designed to show passage from West Sicily to Isola di Pantelleria and the Tunisian Coast. Plans included: Bizerte (1:30 000) Cap Gammarth to Carthage (1:65 000) Port de Kelibia (1:15 000) Port Yasmine Hammamet (1:25 000) Pantelleria (1:10 000)

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Book Synopsis'Mediterranean Weather Handbook for Sailors' is an indispensable reference providing a general understanding of the various phenomena concurring to determine weather in the Mediterranean as well as useful forecasting aids. It is written for sailors, not meteorologists; theory is kept to a minimum, while every effort is made to provide clear interpretative tools that are helpful in understanding actual weather and forecasting. Roberto Ritossa is a meteorology expert and this handbook is a result of many years research on Mediterranean weather patterns. This second edition includes details of new and changed websites that offer meteorological services. Throughout the graphics have been improved and for some sections additional illustrations have been added. "Roberto Ritossa has produced an excellent weather text book for those who choose to sail in the Mediterranean. Although it claims to be 'written for sailors, not meteorologists' there is more than enough essential theory to satisfy the keenest of amateur meteorologists. I would certainly buy a copy if I were to ever plan to return to the Mediterranean, as a sailor." - IG, Cruising.

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Book SynopsisPlans included: Monte Argentario (1:100 000) Bonifacio Strait (1:225 000) Golfo di Salerno (1:100 000) For this 2014 edition the chart has been fully updated throughout using revised depths where applicable. The full list of recently deployed AIS transmitters are shown across the chart, as is the new marina in Rada di Salerno.

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Book SynopsisPlans included: Kekova Roads (1:40 000) Kekova Adasi (1:15 000) Finike (1:17 500) Antalya Celebi Marina (1:15 000) Kemer Turkiz Marina (1:17 500) For this 2014 edition the chart has been fully updated and modernised. The latest known depths are shown around Kap, Kekova Roads and Antalya Harbour. Harbour depths at Ucaoiz are also displayed, as are the recently deployed AIS transmitters across the chart.

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Book SynopsisWith 6,000km of navigable waterways, the Netherlands offers one of the most extensive yet compact cruising grounds in Europe. This book is a user's guide to the whole network, covering all the mast-up routes and excluding only those waterways which offer less than 3.5m bridge height. Navigational details are provided for each waterway, comprising dimensions and obstacles to be expected, including service arrangements for bridges and locks. This is followed by details of over 300 stopping places across all 12 provinces; some which are large or popular harbours, and others which are well off the beaten track. Comments on the significant features are expanded for nearly 100 'principal venues' where more details on things to do and see are provided, as well as information on practical facilities ashore and the authors' selective and subjective restaurant tips! The book is designed to be of interest to all crew members, not just the skipper or navigator, whether its to establish how to approach a place, or to discover what to do or see of interest on arrival. Easy to browse, the book's illustrations have been selected to give a flavour of this water-loving country as well as to prepare the visiting yachtsman, whether under power or sail. This second edition has been updated with amendments to the text and maps. There are also many new photos by the authors. Louise Busby's interest in boating has led to commissions for Motor Boats Monthly as well as the Cruising Association's magazine. She is a former CA regional Almanac editor for the Netherlands and Belgium. David Broad is a detailed journal writer and log keeper, many of David's notes and sketches have been used in the compilation of this book. He is a Council member of the Cruising Association and the Chairman of the Broom Owners Club. A website, which is a useful annexe to the book, is kept up to date with details of changes to the waterways along with useful links to further information. For further information see www.inlandwaterwaysofthenetherlands.com

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Book SynopsisPlans included: Chioggia (1:30 000) Venezia (1:50 000) Approaches to Grado (1:25 000) Monfalcone (1:30 000) Trieste (1:24 000) For this 2015 edition the chart has been fully updated throughout showing changes to depths, navigational aids, areas and limits where appropriate. Construction works for the MOSE Project tidal control barriers are shown at Venezia and Chioggia, as are harbour developments at Monfalcone and Trieste.

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Book SynopsisWhether you're looking to catch your first wave, or are searching for the secrets to the most advanced play-moves like the aerial loop or Tricky Whu, this master reference that includes almost three times as many moves as the first edition, will open up the world of freestyle kayaking to every paddler.

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful full-colour book covers knots, splices and whippings. It begins with the ten knots everyone should know. The other knots are grouped by use so that if, for example, you want to make a loop you have eight knots to choose from. Each stage of each knot is illustrated and its uses, strong points and weak points are highlighted.Trade Review“Knots are often difficult to follow in pictures, but these are exceptionally clear and easy to follow in their multi-colour detail. With very clear step-by-step diagrams, modern-day sailors will find much of interest.” (Julian Stockwin, May 2018)Table of ContentsIntroduction; Ten knots everyone should know; Tying a rope to an object; Tying two ropes together; Loops; Stopper knots; Bindings & lashings; Shortening a rope; Fishing knots; Fancy ropework; Taking care of a rope's end; Making a temporary eye or loop; Joining ropes permanently; Tapering; Throwing, cleating, winching & coiling

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Book SynopsisThe Avon is a great river to dip a paddle into, whether by kayak, canoe or paddleboard. If you are seeking an expedition journey, wanting to just splash about getting wet, or anything in-between, there is something for you here. The riverine wildlife and scenery are always attractive, and at times truly stunning. In the half-century since the Avon was restored as a navigation, the deep channelled waters and the numerous locks, with their white-water interludes, have greened over into precious habitats for a range of flora and fauna. The river flows right through England's past of climactic battles, monasteries, castles, stately homes and the early industry of mills and navigation. The Avon's international fame is, of course, due to its associations with William Shakespeare, and it's impossible for paddlers not to get sucked into a little 'bardolatry' whilst enjoying the river. This book aims to guide paddlers along the Avon and through its many locks and weirs, while also highlighting the river's remarkable natural and historical surrounds.

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated and very popular book covers the commonly used knots & splices. In colour, it clearly illustrates how to tie each knot through the use of clear, sequential diagrams and a step by step approach. It covers the ten knots which everyone should know and many other useful knots, detailing the use and benefits of each. It tells you how to choose the right rope for the job and illustrates splices and whippings.Trade Review"Colour diagrams are used to show yachtsmen how to get knotted, step-by-step." (Yachting Monthly, June 2007)Table of ContentsTen Knots Everyone Should Know / Other Useful Knots / Splices & Whipping

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Book SynopsisTeam racing is great for fast, fun and different sailboat racing. It helps develop some key skills for future racing success. This handy companion tells you everything a sailor and coach need to know to enjoy, improve and win at team racing. It describes the most useful moves around the race course, and the key rules that govern such moves. There are sections on how to slow & overtake; how to win the start & control the final beat; the best routines for practising; how to develop as a team & the team roles. One page gives all the winning & losing combinations for 2-, 3- and 4-boat team racing, highlighting the tactics for every combination, with simple tips for making strategy easy.Trade Review“For the first time, what every team racer needs - a quick, concise guide to the game. Chris Atkins has distilled years of team racing knowledge to produce this handy guide. As an introduction to the game, there is no match. For those running a sailing programme, this is a great place to start if you are thinking of a weekend of team racing. Totally readable, great diagrams and in a very handy format.” (Bruce Hebbert)Table of ContentsWhy go team racing?; Formats; How to overtake; Slowing round the course; Race winning strategy; Controlling the start; Controlling the final beat; The winning habit; Practising; Climbing the ladder; Team roles; The three essential rules; Other important rules; Umpires & being umpired; Race courses & programmes

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Book SynopsisSailing is far more fun if you understand what is going on aboard and can give a hand. And if the weather turns nasty, or things go wrong (which is very rare), then an extra hand can be invaluable. This compact companion contains all the essential information that a new crew needs before stepping aboard: what clothes to bring, what the things on the deck are called, how to start helping with the sails and other deckwork. There is also an important section on safety and one on living aboard – because ‘boat living’ is not at all like living ashore. Ideal for a skipper to give out to new crew, or for a new crew to buy for themselves, to ensure that they know what to expect and get the most out of their first sailing experiences.Trade Review“It's small, concise and surprisingly good at packing useful information into a tiny space.” (Yachting Monthly) “It would make a great welcome-on-board gift for skippers to give to new crew. It teaches them terminology and skills, but also takes a no-nonsense approach to extremely important matters - like crew asking if a skipper would like them to contribute to the boat's kitty. Very handy for nautical novices.” (Sailing Today) “These slimline, flip-over 'learn-to-sail' type books are priceless in my view; and this second edition of 'New Crew's Companion' tops the bargain list once more... all the essentials are there for the new crew to make their lives easier aboard.” (Sailing Magazine)Table of ContentsIntroduction; Arriving onboard; Parts of a boat; Ropes & lines; Undocking & docking; Mooring; Anchoring; Handling sails; At sea; Safety; Living aboard; Getting help - the VHF radio

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Book SynopsisThis book will help you to succeed on the water whether your aim is Club, National, International (or even Olympic) level. With detailed analysis, challenging exercises and useful top tips throughout, everything is covered: from targets, goal setting and a winning mental attitude to boat handling, strategy and tactics (plus lots more). Handy diagrams on almost every page help to clarify complex concepts and scenarios, and brilliant action photographs bring the text to life. Each chapter is closed with not-to-be missed advice from Olympic medallists – making this a must-have book for all sailors who aspire to great success. This is a re-written and more focused version of the author’s popular title Be Your Own Sailing Coach, and its publication marks the re-launch of the iconic Sail to Win series, loved by sailors for over 30 years.Trade Review"Emmett is a natural communicator." (Sail World) "If you can read, absorb and put into practice just some of the advice given, you'll be a better sailor." (Sailing Magazine) “Jon looks at helping you self-critique constructively with lots of good advice.” (UK Laser Association)Table of ContentsForeword Chapter 1 Targets & Goal Setting Chapter 2 Boat Handling Chapter 3 Starting Chapter 4 Upwind Boatspeed Chapter 5 Reaching Boatspeed Chapter 6 Running Boatspeed Chapter 7 Strategy Chapter 8 Tactics Chapter 9 Rules Chapter 10 The Winning Mind Chapter 11 Fitness Chapter 12 Preparation & Note Taking End Note

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Book SynopsisFernhurst Books' Waterproof Notebook Lined is a larger size, with the right hand page lined and the left hand page blank to allow for drawings. It is printed on plastic paper that is totally waterproof. It can be written on using most writing and drawing tools. The pages can be re-used if writing with a pencil or chinagraph. The spiral binding allows the book to be opened flat or folded back on itself. It is great for sailors, canoeists, fishermen and indeed anyone needing to make notes near water or when it might rain. It is even used for underwater drawing classes!Trade Review"Finding a dry piece of paper in a small boat can be difficult - which is why Fernhurst have introduced their waterproof notebook ... plasticised paper which can be written on when wet and have been shown not to disintegrate even after prolonged immersion." (Practical Boat Owner) "This very useful notebook of waterproof sheets is spiral bound so that it can be opened flat or folded back on itself. It floats if dropped in the water and the paper is sufficiently thick for the pages to be opened without too much difficulty when wet." (Canoeist) "Wouldn't it be great if you could write down your angling notes as they happen without fear of them getting washed away in the rain? Well maybe the new handy waterproof notebook from Fernhurst Books could be just what you are looking for." (Sea Angler)

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Book SynopsisFor most sailors, boat tuning may seem a mystery understood only by sailmakers and the like. In this book, sailor, chandler and championship winner, Ian Pinnell, unravels this daunting subject and will help improve your boatspeed as a result. Since most races are won or lost by a difference of less than 2% of racing time, you will soon be moving up the fleet. With hundreds of photos and diagrams to illustrate every point, the book clearly explains what each control does and how to set it up optimally for different conditions. Additional troubleshooting and skills sections take things even further, making this the bible of dinghy tuning.Trade Review“He unravels the mystery of boat tuning and will help you to improve your boatspeed.” (Yachts & Yachting) “This is an excellent book. Some authors might have great sailing knowledge but cannot put it across. Not Pinnell, he can communicate too… He deploys all his knowledge in an organised manner, putting all his points across clearly and succinctly.” (Yachting Life) “With hundreds of photos and diagrams to illustrate every point, the book clearly explains what each control does and how to set it up optimally for different conditions.” (Sailing Magazine)Table of ContentsAbout the Author; Foreword; Introduction; Part 1: Getting Ready: Assembling The Gear, What Each Control Does; Part 2: Tuning: Preparing Your Boat, The Initial Set Up, Refining The Set Up, Offwind Settings, Spinnakers, Two Boat Tuning, Troubleshooting; Part 3: Skills: What You Need, Attaching Fittings to the Hull, Ropework, Boat & Foil Repairs, Sail Care & Repairs, Rigging; End Note

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Book SynopsisThe complete guide on how to trim sails and tune rigging for all conditions to make the boat sail faster and safer. A well-trimmed sailing boat is not only faster - it heels less, balances better and is more comfortable. Wear and load is reduced and expensive gear lasts longer. The risk of damage or rig failure is significantly lower when you know how to take care of your rig and sails. This book provides a clear understanding of the dynamics of rig and sail and how to get them working together in harmony with the elements. With hundreds of colour photographs and illustrations throughout, the text is concise and precise, divided into sections to make it easy to find exactly what you need. Research was carried out with professional riggers, sailmakers and international elite sailors as consultants resulting in a book that should be part of every sailor's basic kit. This book appeals to every level of sailor - those with limited experience will find much to learn and the experienced sailor can develop competence and knowledge as the different aspects of trim are treated in depth.Trade Review"I have worked full time with rigging and sails since I was 18 years old. This book explains in depth how to deal with rigging and sails in the best possible way. Actually, the fundamentals for elite sailors and cruisers are not as different as one might think. With better knowledge, regatta sailors can achieve better results and cruisers can cruise more comfortably. This is a really interesting and rewarding read and will definitely help you to experience more magnificent hours, days and years at sea." Fredrik Loeoef (America's Cup sailor, Artemis Racing. London 2012 Olympic gold medallist - Star. Five times World Champion - Finn and Star). "A practical and passionate guide to choice, maintenance and management of rig and sails... the style is engaging and the explanations logical. It's well laid out and profusely illustrated. I therefore recommend this book." (Yachting Monthly, May 2018) “The book is packed with colour photographs and illustrations, making complicated theoretical and technical information much easier to understand… If you’re looking to get more enjoyment out of sailing by upping your trim game, this is the book for you.” (Lifeboat Magazine, Summer 2018) “Sets out to make complex things simple. In this it succeeds and at the same time provides something for every level of experience.” (Little Ship Club, Summer 2018)Table of ContentsIntroduction. Contents. Foreword. 1 Understanding The Rig. 2 Materials In The Rig. 3 Rigging And Basic Trim. 4 How Do The Sails Work? 5 The Sails: Materials And Construction. 6 Sail Handling. 7 Sail Trim. 8 Practical Sail Trim. 9 Tips And Tricks. Index.

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Book SynopsisOlympic gold medallist and multiple world champion, Paul Goodison, explains why this book is important if you want to win races. He says: “To win sailboat races you need to sail the boat fast. This comes down to hours on the water training and tuning – there are few shortcuts to hours of practising on the water. To consistently win races you need to sail fast and smart – making the right decisions to sail the best course. If you are not the fastest boat, you are still able to win races and regattas by managing risk and sailing smart. This is where good tactics come in. But, unlike boatspeed, tactics may be learnt by thinking about each leg of the course and different situations from the comfort of your own home. Jon Emmett’s new book, Tactics Made Simple, is a great tool to help fast track this learning.” This book explains simply, through hundreds of diagrams, what tactics can be applied around the race track. Individual boats in each scenario are given names so that you can easily understand what they are doing. Individual chapters take you around the race course, from before you get on the water, through the pre-start, start, different legs and manoeuvres. Each section contains detailed advice for the beginner, intermediate and advanced sailor so you can just look at the level of tactics relevant to you. Ideal for dinghy sailors, there is also a wealth of advice that will benefit yachtsmen. This is a practical way to improve your racing results, whether starting out, moving up the club circuit or competing at national level and beyond. Originally published by Wiley Nautical as Be Your Own Tactics Coach.Trade Review“Jon Emmett’s new book, Tactics Made Simple, is a great tool to help fast track learning. Jon is an extremely talented coach with a great passion for the sport. In the book he explains each tactical situation very well with clear diagrams and limited text. This book is a must for any sailor who wants to improve their tactical skills. With reading, understanding and practice you will become a better sailor and tactician.” (Paul Goodison)Table of ContentsForeword; Introduction; Pre Start; Starts; Upwind; The First Beat; Tacking; Windward Mark; Tight Reaching; Beam Reaching; Broad Reaching; Running Symmetric; Running Asymmetric; Gybing; Leeward Mark; Leeward Gates; The Second Beat; The Final Beat; The Finish; Being Consistent; Attacking and Defending; The Weather; Index of Boat Names

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Book SynopsisA compact, handy, on-the-water reference guide containing all the essential information about keeping your marine diesel engine running for when you need it most: the perfect quick reference guide to keep onboard. The book covers the parts of the engine and has checklists for monthly, weekly and daily checks. It outlines what to do if the engine won’t start, or stop, if it overheats or there are problems with the fuel system. It tells you about servicing, the electrics and winterisation. Splash-proof and spiral bound – allowing you to lay it out flat beside your engine – this little book stands up to frequent use and will be a valued companion when the engine doesn’t behave.Table of ContentsParts of the Engine; Checklists; Engine Won’t Start; Engine Won’t Stop; Cooling; Overheating; Fuel System; Servicing Fuel System; Lubrication; Electrics; Winterisation; Battery.

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