One might wonder, "What is a general boating book doing in a racing focused book review?".

Chapman Piloting is a true classic and is one of the best reference materials on boating available. Although racing issues are one part of the game, the standard elements of seamanship are essential knowledge to the sailor.

Before you do your next "Newport-Ensanada" International Yacht Race, it would be a good idea to review the running lights used by different kinds of vessels at night. Or how about a review of different types of buoys as you enter an unknown harbor.

Yes, a good chunk of this book relates to motorboats, but learning the basics of navigation, rules of the road outside of racing, coast guard requirements, and more is an essential part of the knowledge of a complete racing sailor.

So this is a book that you should always have on your shelf if you are a boater.