Sailing is a wonderful sport, it takes place in the open air, on the water and is powered by something that's free and eco-friendly – the wind!

It is a sport for life: captivating children and giving them a sense of responsibility as they skipper their own boat and continuing to give pleasure well beyond retirement, whether it be competing against others or taking it more gently.

Using this book you can get afloat, learn to sail and start having fun using the step-by-step advice, photo sequences and diagrams. This jargon-free guide allows complete novices to get out on the water with the minimum of fuss. One- and two-person dinghies are covered, along with rigging, knots, safety, handling and much more.

Originally published as 'Learn to Sail', it now forms part of Fernhurst Books' series of Beginner's Guides covering surfing, SUP and inflatable kayaking.

It can be used on its own or as a compliment to traditional sailing courses run by sailing schools everywhere.