Best instructional book for laser?

Groover

New Member
I would consider myself an intermediate laser sailer and looking for the one best instructional book to progress forward. What are your recommendations for purchasing if you could only choose one.
 
Probably, The complete book of Laser Sailing, Dick Tillman.

Not because of the techniques in the main body of the book, but because of the the little gems in the interviews near the back. IF you already have a good knowledge of the basics, you may benefit from hearing people speak about what they do. For me, that's where the good stuff lies. Though it isn't a book, DVD's are also a good source. You get to pick up what you're after by eye without having to rely on the author telling you what to look at. The learning is faster because you see the bits you need first, rather than to another person's schedule, helping you to understand in whatever way necessary.
 
I certainly agree with the guys above, although my personal favourite is the Laser Campaign Manual by Ben Ainslie. he seems to employ very different techniques to the Rooster guys, and I find my style is similar to his, and miles away from Roosters!
It also comes with a CDR with video clips of specific things- tacking, gybing etc.
 
I have The complete book of Laser Sailing, Dick Tillman and I have the Rooster Upwind and Downwind DVD's. I think they are both great. I am trying to collect every book on the subject myself.
 
Bens voice is so boring though and the clips aren't that special

true enough, but the question is which book is best for instruction.:p

coincidentally, my photographer fiance and myself are working on a basic instructional book. It wont get anyone winning the worlds, but should be an interesting gem for the true beginners. 'nuff said!;)
 
these are good



The Complete Book of Laser Sailing 2nd Edition
The Laser Campaign Manual - Ben Ainslie
Championship Laser Racing - Glenn Bourke
The Complete Introduction to Laser Racing - Edited by Ben Tan
The Laser Book - Tim Davison, 4th Edition
Laser Racing - Ed Baird
Mental & Physical Fitness for Sailing - Alan Beggs, John Derbyshire & Sir John Whitmore
International Laser Class Association Handbook 2007

the Tim Davison is one of my fav's, along with the one by Ben Tan
 
yeah i got the one by ben tan from the gouv and it is a great book that helps cover alot of aspects in laser sailing, all the way from sailing to exercises and nutrition.

thanks again gouv
 
yeah i got the one by ben tan from the gouv and it is a great book that helps cover alot of aspects in laser sailing, all the way from sailing to exercises and nutrition.

thanks again gouv


Aw shcuks and golly whiz...

You are 100% welcome.

Next thing is to finish getting all you can from the book, find a newbie who could use a boost and pass it on.

In fact, I bet half the guys who read this forum have books they ought to give to the next sailor.

I smell a new thread....
 
I've watched one of the Rooster DVDs.... 'The Boat Whisperer' Wow they're great! They've got cameras up top of the mast and you can see what they do in the boat. Lots of scenarios and commentary.
 
This is a NEW book (August 2006) for BEGINNING SAILORS and contains specific information for instruction

Sailing is a Breeze: Learning to Sail a Laser, Sunfish,
or Other Small Boat
Features of Book

There are several unique features to this book, including:
· a focus on learning to sail a small single sail catboat - Laser
· a detailed section on hazards and risks
· numerous, easily understood, illustrations
· a step by step progression that can be used in a class setting or for individual instruction
· a logical, easily understood, section on how boats sail (i.e. physics of sailing)
· internet references and resources related to sailing
· a section (in Appendix) on class instruction
· exercises and review questions (in Appendix) to demonstrate knowledge and understanding
· nautical dictionary

View the full description of the book at the American Press Publishers web site:


Author: Thomas P. Martin ISBN 0-89641-433-7
 
Still loving the dvd's. Go to the photos section of this forum and check out the youtube video. It's got rooster clips in there.
 
Probably, The complete book of Laser Sailing, Dick Tillman.

Not because of the techniques in the main body of the book, but because of the the little gems in the interviews near the back. IF you already have a good knowledge of the basics, you may benefit from hearing people speak about what they do. For me, that's where the good stuff lies. Though it isn't a book, DVD's are also a good source. You get to pick up what you're after by eye without having to rely on the author telling you what to look at. The learning is faster because you see the bits you need first, rather than to another person's schedule, helping you to understand in whatever way necessary.

I have The complete book of Laser Sailing, Dick Tillman and I have the Rooster Upwind and Downwind DVD's. I think they are both great. I am trying to collect every book on the subject myself.

These guys have the right idea. I have Dick Tillman's book as well.
 
I found this one really helpful for me, in my first season as Laser noob:
"The Complete Introduction to Laser Racing" - Edited by Ben Tan
:)

I've been able to borrow both of the Rooster "Boat Whisperer" DVD's as well. Once I got past the 'interesting' presentation style, I've been able to begin to put into practise some of the good things they show. They helped me because I could *see* what they were talking about - I'm a visual learner. :eek:
 
I have read every book that I can get my hands on. The subject of Laser Sailing has been my passion for the last couple of years. I would have to say that ANY of these books are good. Tillman's book is a good starting point, but the rest are dependent on what your questions are regarding Laser Sailing. My suggestion would be to read one, go out and sail, read another one, sail some more, and when you run out of books start with the first one again and don't stop sailing. I have read some of them several times because, depending on your experience, you will get different things from the book each time you read it. Don't forget to put a sticky note on the pages that you want to refer back to. It saves a lot when you are trying to find the page about 'rigging tricks', for an example.
Ralph
 
Amazon.com shows Championship Laser Racing by Glenn Bourke with an April 2007 copyright date. The book was originally published in 1993. Does anyone know if this is an updated or second edition of the book (with the new controls discussed) or is this just some sort of misinformation put out by Amazon/Wiley?
 

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