Hand, Reef and Steer 2nd edition: Traditional Sailing Skills for Classic Boats

Though not a book for beginners to the authors credit he states that it is not a book for beginners. I'm building a small, 21 foot on deck gaff rigged cutter and I was interested in learning how a traditional gaff rig sails compared to a modern bermudan rig, how they stack up one against the other. Mr. Cunliffe answered my question in spades thus the three stars I gave him. But, like so many exceedingly knowledgeable people, Mr. Cunliffe has only a modicum of talent to pass that information on to those who don't have a preexisting encyclopedic knowledge of his subject. Usually the problem lies in a failure to define terms properly and especially to fail to label images properly (his photos are fine). On the plus side his book has an appendix that does make a minimal effort to define terms that are used throughout the book but fails in that there are a number of terms that he completely leaves out of his glossary. For example, he notes that one of the characteristics of a gaff rig is that it should have a long deep forefoot. "A long deep forefoot"? Not being a naval architect, I have only a "perhaps it means...." comprehension of what he is talking about. Many of the mystery terms gradually define themselves if you manage to read far enough into the text or gaze long enough at a photo. So, his book needs: better defining of terms and images with labels defining exactly which of that pot of worms rigging he is alluding to. The priceless magic solution to his dilemma would be an included DVD tour of a gaff rig pointing out a 'horse' or a 'cranse iron' or perhaps reference to a series of Youtube Videos he has produced wherein he could clarify the many rigging "peculiarities", if I may call it that, of a gaff rig. Stays, sheets, blocks and the like most sailors understand. At 70, however, I still have not lived long enough to have experienced the charms and complexities of his love, the gaff rigged cutter. Yet, his book most certainly moved me a little way along the path to a better understanding of such a boat.

Great book. Informative and entertaining.

Clear and concise. Written by an expert with years of practical knowledge.

This book was required reading before I joined the crew on a steel hull gaff-rig from Dublin to Cork. I did not finish before the trip started but the crew seemed to enjoy my read-alouds in the evening during the trip! Our captain wisely chose to head for safe harbor before hurricane Ophelia caught up to us.

More information than I'll ever be able to use but really well written and organised.

Great book. in our time is difficult to find a good book like this about traditional sailing boats. If you dream about gaff cutters sailing the blue ocean...this is your book.

Lots of detail on points of sail, rigging and handling

Great book, well written.

I recently bought a Cornish Crabber 24 and, although having sailed Bermuda rigged boats for decades, decided I needed something to give me tips on sailing gaff rigged boats. The book is superbly written and reflects the author's vast experience of this type of craft. The practical advice is excellent on sail and boat handling and interior g on the historical evolution of this type of rig.A must for anyone venturing away from the modern Bermuda rig and fin keeled production yachts of today.

Brilliant book about gaff rig boats, filled with clear colour photos and illustrations, and written in an engaging fashion by someone who clearly loves these boats. An absolute pleasure to read, and very useful as a learning guide too.

Owning a gaff rig yacht is a steep learning curve, this book is excellent and written by the most well known author, Tom makes the rig and sailing look almost easy!

A must for any gaff rigged sailor.

Like the book but would have like more technical rope configuration with examples and that stuff but good book .