Asymmetric Dinghy Book

Asymmetric dinghies burst into the sailing scene in the 1990s and have transformed the sport. They led to the introduction of new types of courses and a new sailing style. While the basic principles may be the same as for conventional dinghies, the increased focus on apparent wind sailing and responding to changes in wind pressure and direction downwind are exciting new elements that asymmetric dinghies bring. This book allows you to learn the secrets of getting the most from your asymmetric dinghy – whether you sail an entry level dinghy or a high-performance skiff, single-handed or with a crew. Following its advice will enable you to enjoy being at one with your boat and the wind.

It is written by asymmetric champion sailor and journalist Andy Rice who has also gleaned tips, advice and some great shortcuts from expert sailors in a wide range of classes. This will give you the inside knowledge to improve your techniques and get ahead of the fleet. There's step-by-step guidance, accompanied by great photo sequences. Every stage of asymmetric sailing is covered, including rigging and tuning, hoists, gybes and drops, tactics, survival sailing and advanced skills for solo and crewed boats.

Praise for Asymmetric Dinghy Book

"121 pages of more knowledge than you can possibly assimilate in one go, so this is a book you'll find yourself coming back to for years and years… There are very good photo sequences showing manoeuvres… It is well worth reading. But I sort of hope you don't; I would quite like to keep some of these tips to myself!"
— 2000 Class Association

"This book will be a treasure trove for anyone who sails an asymmetric dinghy, whether they are just starting to learn about apparent wind sailing or are competing at a high level. If you want to enjoy asymmetric sailing, and improve your skills, I thoroughly recommend this book."
— Nathan Outteridge

About the Author

Andy Rice has won championships from both ends of a skiff, winning a 49er National championship as a helm and International 14 Europeans and Prince of Wales Weeks as a crew. He has sailed with a number of top sailors over the years, including Olympic medallists John Merricks, Ian Walker and Simon Hiscocks. Andy continues to race a Musto Skiff competitively in his 50s.

As a sailing journalist, he has reported on every major event from the Olympics to the America's Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race and the Vendée Globe. He writes for many racing-oriented magazines including Seahorse, Yachts & Yachting, Yachting World, Boat International and Sailing World. As a live commentator he has reported at multiple Olympic class events, America's Cup regattas, the Sailing Champions League and the Extreme Sailing Series.

Andy's passion is for asking great sailors what makes them tick and finding out why they're so fast. That was the basis of writing this book.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.