Laser Campaign Manual

Sir Ben Ainslie won his first two Olympic medals (silver, then gold) in the Laser Class. After winning the gold medal he wrote down the secrets that won him that medal in this book. This new edition is published to mark the 20th anniversary of that first of his four Olympic gold medals. It features a brand-new introduction by Ben reflecting on his victory 20 years ago. It is the only how-to book that the world's most successful Olympic sailor has written and so, while he and the Laser class have moved on, this is the only place where you can gain access to Ben's skills and thought process.

It is an invaluable guide on how to perform at the top of the Laser class or, indeed, any single-handed sailing dinghy. From psychology, goal setting and getting the boat right to speed, fitness and training – this book illustrates how to win a championship. Brimming with photographs, it is a colourful, detailed account of how to dominate in your fleet.

Praise for Laser Campaign Manual

"The man's a genius – say no more, buy the book."
— UK Laser Association

"That Ainslie is one of the best sailors the UK has produced cannot be doubted. Here he puts down clearly how he does it, covering just about everything, even down to toestrap tensions and the ins-and-outs of hiking technique."
— Boating Business

"Ben Ainslie is the most accomplished Laser sailor I have ever worked with. His determination, fitness and sheer natural talent are quite extraordinary."
— Rod Carr, formerly Olympic Team Manager & Coach

About the Author

Sir Ben Ainslie is the world's most successful Olympic sailors with four gold and one silver medals to his name. His first two medals were in the Laser class. After winning gold in Sydney he wrote Fernhurst Books' The Laser Campaign Manual which remains the only how-to book he has written. After that he won 3 gold medals in the Finn class.

He has been World Sailor of the Year four times and won 11 World Championships and 9 European Championships. He was knighted in 2012 and was the winning tactician in the 2013 America's Cup. He has since set up his own America's cup team to win back the America's Cup for Great Britain.

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.