Sail Like a Champion

Rating:
Summary: Well written, smooth reading but not advanced
Review: I found the first chapter too egocentric: Dennis Conner explains that he is a good sailor, and that we have a lot to learn from him. The rest of the book is smooth reading and very well written. I had expected the book to be advanced, but the book seems to be very targeted at the beginner. Still, there is much useful information in the book.

In my mind, the book has four main parts: Part 1: boat design and building (including sails) is basic, but written in a way that makes it enjoyable to read. It is invaluable to anyone who without prior knowledge wants to buy a good boat. Part 2: boat handling and maneuvers is mainly for the novice. If you have been racing there is probably not much new here. Still the style of writing is good, and the checklists are easy to understand and follow. Part 3: strategy, is a good part. However, if you have attended a Smart Course by North Sails (or read their book) you will not find anything new here. Part 4: rules and tactics: Nothing really exciting here. The rules are old by now, and the tactics are the ones you learned in sailing school as a kid.

If you are about to enter your first boat, this is the book for you. However, if you have won a few Wednesday night club races you will probably ask for more advanced stuff than what you find in this book. A champion like Dennis Conner should be able to write a book that is much more advanced and thus more valuable than this book.

Rating:
Summary: A must for any sailors library.
Review: Mr Connor explains everything a sailor needs to know to satisfy his/her desire to race or cruise to the best of his/her ability. He does it by also explaining the jargon that stiffles most books on the subject, making them hard to read or follow. Unless, of course, if you were born with a "silver tiller" in your hand.

Rating:
Summary: An advice from a legend...
Review: Sailing like a champion is an excellent composed book. Each case is described using at least one of the author's real-life events and is written in a plain and uncomplicated way. But what fascinated me the most is not the theory of the sail trim (which is by all means one of the best) but the unmatched dedication of Dennis Conner and his unrivaled desire to win. Aa advice from a living legend..., Thank you DC!