The Sail-Racing Bible

Mason Stang & Udi Gal

Adlard Coles

£25.00

US racer, Mason Stang, has been coached by former world champion Udi Gal since he was in high school. Through this book he aims to channel Udi’s distinctive voice and approach to others. The tone is dedicated and passionate, ‘Trust me you can do this’. It’s also clear and well-organised though does assume some pre-knowledge of racing terminology. I wasn’t certain I understood how to ‘soak low’. This is round-the-cans racing, applicable to both dinghies and keelboats, intensely competitive, battling the other sailors.  Nevertheless, one of the best reasons for racing is to become a better sailor.

This analytical approach, emphasis on teamwork, optimum direction and the pursuit of speed has lessons for us all.