Sails

London: Adlard Coles Ltd. Very Good/Very Good. 1967. First Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo Dust jacket complete, unclipped, slight wear to edges. Original cloth with bright gilt titling on spine. Tinted to top edge. No inscription. 400 pp including index clean and tight. This is the first really comprehensive book on the subject of sails, amply and exhaustively analysed. The motive power of sailing yachts is written about by an expert who has great knowledge of both the technological advances made in recent years and the problems which face all owners and sailmakers on a more practical level. He writes clearly and informatively to produce a standard work of reference for anybody who has anything to do with sailing craft. Starting with the history of sails and the theory of sailing, the author passes to the questions of materials, the making and finishing of sails, rigging and tuning. Sails for working conditions, for light and heavy weather, and for reaching and running are examined in detail. Spinnakers have their own special section. For every owner there is advice on care and maintenance and on repairs, which sailmakers will also find informative. There is also a great deal of expert information on how to alter sails in a considerable number of ways. Design and rating are examined while there is advice on how best to increase your yacht's wardrobe. The author concludes with a look into the future. The appendices are very detailed including a unique table for calculating spinnaker stay lengths, instructions on the measurement of sails, and further analysis of sail alterations. .