WW Norton& Co., 1998; x;$US49.95;

To those of us for whom understanding the workings of a device are an essential part of living comfortably with it, this insight into the design process is especially valuable. Happily it is written in a practical way by a designer/sailor with other sailors in mind and avoids blinding us with science.

Analysis includes the evolution and performance of ballating, keels, foils, rudders, hull shapes, sail plans and rig configurationbs. Tank testing, hull lines and the use of computers are explained as part of the design process. The examples used are mostly American racing craft ranging from high performance dinghies to racer cruisers and the America's Cup challengers; however since the theory is equally applicable over here this does not detract.

The modern style of presentation with generous use of illustrations and diagrams, and the straightforward readable prose with hardly a formula to be found, comfortably explain what is often complex physics, e.g. the three dimensional turbulent flow around a keel.

If you are thinking of buying a new boat or just interested in understanding the one you have, I recommend this comprehensive explanation of the design process to you. -NC