The author discusses the several types of modern sailboats suitable for various conditions and localities and establishes the basic sea language needed. Then, in clear and simple text, with plenty of diagrams and drawings, he takes the reader aboard his boat, hoists the sails, drops his mooring and conducts him through all the sailing evolutions until he has confidence in himself and may safely and joyfully join America's great fleet of sailing craft. Dangers are pointed out and instructions given on their avoidance. Included are brief data on elementary navigation, seamanship, tuning up, maintenance and the many allied arts of the owner-skipper in sufficient scope for him to care for a protect his craft. The old hand, too, will find here a refresher with which to perfect his own sailing habits and techniques.

The author, Carl D. Lane, has many years of sailing experience to draw upon and has written two other standard books in the field, The Boatman's Manual and Boatowner's Sheet Anchor.