Illustrated Seamanship

Today, yachts are often equipped with electrical windlasses, autopilot, bow thrusters, etc. This equipment has also become much more reliable, making it possible to make long offshore passages without much knowledge of seamanship. However, as the coastguards in many countries can confirm, more and more yachts require assistance, even when they should be able to reach harbour on their own. In this book you will be shown the traditional techniques you should be familiar with – regarding rope handling, manoeuvring, mooring and anchoring – in order to make long or short passages safely. Each element is clearly explained alongside detailed illustrations, combining to make a straightforward and easy-to-follow guide.

Although yacht gear is becoming more and more reliable, you can be almost sure that, sooner or later, it will fail or you will be out of electrical power to use it. Learning the traditional techniques may not only be necessary but is also both interesting and fun. Instead of waking up the entire harbour in the early hours with the noise of your bow thruster, you may, alternatively, use a spring line to get safely moored to or leave the pontoon quietly.

Praise for Illustrated Seamanship

"If you're new to sailing, this book will teach you almost everything you'll ever need to know about ropework, boat handling and anchoring. Even if you've been sailing for years, there are still a few boat handling manoeuvres and anchoring techniques that you probably won't have tried… This walks you through them all, step-by-step with clear diagrams and text descriptions… It's very decent value."
— Yachting Monthly

"Using illustrations over verbal instructions will suit many readers, especially total beginners."
— Practical Boat Owner

"Very much recommended for trainees as the illustrations work very well with the clear and concise explanations, but even more experienced sailors can profit with a little revision on seldom-used techniques."
— Little Ship Club

About the Author

Ivar Dedekam, of Dedekam Design, specialises in uniquely illustrated nautical manuals which are easy to understand and remember. Ivar has been sailing for over 30 years and has logged more than 50,000 nautical miles, including 3 Atlantic crossings. His book Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning is an international success and has been published in 19 languages.

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.