Alfredo Contaldovideo
SAILING IN BOOKS the best manuals to read for sailing ⛵⚓onboard nautical library ⛵
29 December 2024 · 16 min · 5K views
What this video covers
A curated selection of technical nautical literature provides essential knowledge for sailors ranging from beginners to those pursuing advanced skills like celestial navigation and heavy-weather tactics. For foundational knowledge, the *Cours de navigation des Glénans* serves as a comprehensive, pocket-sized encyclopaedia covering everything from boat handling and engine maintenance to route planning.1:42 Other recommended introductory texts include manuals by Giancarlo Pedote and Pietro Caricato.3:15 For quick reference while underway, the *Memorandum dello skipper* by Miriam Lettori offers a durable, plasticised guide to safety equipment, collision regulations, and light signals.4:05 Specialised technical skills require targeted resources: *Vele* by Bertrand Chéret details sail dynamics and trim, while *Lavori a bordo* by Davide Zerbinati provides practical instructions for vessel maintenance.5:22 For offshore safety, *Heavy Weather Sailing* by Adlard Coles and works by Lin and Larry Pardey offer strategies for managing storms and heaving to.8:45 Navigation resources include the classic *Navigare lungo costa* by Mauro Mancini for coastal pilotage and Ferdinando Flora’s *Navigazione astronomica* for celestial techniques.12:22 While digital apps are standard, maintaining a library of updated paper portolans and meteorological guides remains a critical backup for safe passage planning.13:40
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