US Sailing publishes new Basic Keelboat Book

by Jake Fish on 29 May 2009
US SAILING has published a new edition of its classic learn-to-sail text, Basic Keelboat. This informative and entertaining book features revised copy and full-color updated graphics, leading students through the essential principles of safe, confident daysailing, faster than ever.

'Our students love the new Basic Keelboat textbook,' says Greg Norwine, chair of US SAILING’s Commercial Sailing Committee and owner of Windworks Sailing in Seattle, Wash. 'The book is clear, concise, and easy to follow with the new color-key format used in the diagrams. Two thumbs-up on the revision of an already outstanding teaching tool.'

Basic Keelboat is the flagship publication of US SAILING’s Keelboat Certification program. The certifications follow a building-block technique of combining learned skills with experience. Each level builds on the skills learned in Basic Keelboat. Program graduates at this level will be able to demonstrate the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a simple daysailing keelboat in light to moderate wind and sea conditions.

'The new revision of Basic Keelboat has made the best book for adult basic sailing instruction even better,' says Rich Jepsen, owner of OCSC Sailing in Berkeley, Calif., and chair of US SAILING’s Training Committee. 'I’m so pleased with the improved photos and diagrams. Not only are the diagrams clearer and more precise, the carefully selected colors makes it easy for a new sailor to understand the most important aspects of sailing. The consistency in presentation helps students connect- the-dots’ as they progress.'

The US SAILING Keelboat Certification System is a cooperative effort among sailing schools, charter companies, the sailing industry, and US SAILING volunteers and staff. The system began in 1993 at the suggestion of representatives from several commercial sailing schools around the United States. It is designed to provide quality training and certification in keelboats for day sailing, coastal cruising, bareboat chartering, navigation and offshore passage making. For more information, visit the program website www.sailingcertification.com.

www.ussailing.org.