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On The Bookshelf By William Wallick Catamaran Racing: for the 90’s by Rick White & Mary Wells 1992. RAM Press It’s no coincidence that this column debuts with Catamaran Racing: for the 90’s. This is the book I have been looking for since I started sailing Hobies. Other books had a piece here, a piece there - but Catamaran Racing puts it all together and does it in a well organized fashion. Although titled Catamaran Racing, there is plenty of information here for all levels of sailors. Starting off with solid basics, Chapter 1 on Boat-Handling is worth the price of the book alone. Nothing has had such a positive effect on my sailing skills as this introductory chapter. It has changed the way I sail and prompted me to change the curriculum for the classes I teach at our city owned reservoir. Whether you are a racer, a cruiser, or just learning, boat handling skills are essential - and this chapter’s got ‘em. Building on the solid foundation of Chapter One, the authors start refining your sailing skills with informative chapters on battens, mast rake, telltales, which strings to pull, and weight distribution. The jib and mainsail also merit individual chapters. For the racing aficionado, it starts in Chapter 9 with Pre-Race Prepping. The authors follow this up with individual chapters detailing the start, the upwind leg, the reaching leg, the downwind leg, and the finish. Another nice touch is that notes for the crew are summarized at the end of each chapter. This is a handy reference for a first time or less serious crew (who may not read the whole book). It may also promote some good communication between skipper and crew and you discuss your racing duties and strategy. Sound pretty good? Well there is lots more good stuff to come. The book is topped off with guest chapters by Randy Smyth (Prindle 19, and Spinnaker Handling), Hobie Alter, Jr. (Hobie 18), Wayne Schafer (Hobie 16), Carlton Tucker (Hobie 17), Larry Harteck (Nacra 5.8), Roy Seaman (Distance Racing), Dave Calvert (Sail Technology), and Bob Curry (Wind & Weather). This is the Bible of catamaran sailing. If you don’t have it, do yourself a favor and get it. You won’t regret it. William Wallick wallick@concentric.net Catamaran Racing: for the 90’s is available from Murray’s Marine, Hobie Cat, or your local marine dealer. You may also order directly from RAM Press, POB 2060, Key Largo, FL 33037; or by phone (305/451-32870, fax (305/453-0255), or visit their web site (http://www.catsailor.com). Send $29.95+$2 S/H. Back to Features |