Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, (2003). First Printing (stated). 8vo. xv,164pp, Index, Bibliography. Blue cloth. Fine condition in near fine dj (rear cover panel slightly scuffed). Illustrated. ISBN 1557502099; Large 8vo 9" - 10" tall; 164 pages.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: To Harness the Wind A Short History of the Development of Sails
Publisher: Naval Institute Press, Annapolis
Publication Date: 2003
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1557502099
ISBN 13: 9781557502094
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Printing.
Condition: Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

About this title

Synopsis

Man was a sailor long before he invented the wheel or straddled a horse, and his adventures at sea changed the course of history. Initially he was able to sail only downwind, but the Cretans and Phoenicians made design improvements to sails that permitted sailing across and eventually against the wind. The Vikings optimized the performance of the square sail, and the Dutch modified the Arab lateen to create the sail commonly used today. Leo Block tells the story of the evolution of sails and relates it to historic events and other factors that affected the performance of sailing vessels. Numerous illustrations help explain the technical factors involved.

Focusing mainly on European improvements, Block details the progress of sail design from the lateen to the square, fore and aft, and classic rigs right up to the swift clipper ships of the nineteenth century just before the advent of steam power. Written in laymen's terms, the book is an excellent learning tool for readers who know little about the history of sailing vessels and a quick reference guide for sailors who want a reminder of how their craft evolved.

About the Author

Leo Block, a retired captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve, is the author of Diesel Engines: A Boat Owner's Guide to Operation and Maintenance. His articles on boating and seamanship have appeared in Sea Magazine.

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Dale A. Sorenson
MD, U.S.A.

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