If you are just starting to be involved with Yacht Racing, Dennis Conner does a good job of compiling a collection of basic facts to get you initially informed about racing. It is also done in a light, and personable style that makes it easy to read.

The book covers everything from yacht design, sail trim, racing strategy, tactics,  and weather. It  to cover a lot. However because the book attempts to be everything for everyone, I think in a way it fails because it does not really offer a lot of detail on any single topic. Thus, I'm left not knowing what portion of the book to really focus on as being valuable for the learning yacht racer.

There is no doubt that the book is entertaining. It also offers some insight into the competitive spirit of Dennis Conner who is an icon in the sailing world.

However, if you want to win races, I don't think the explanations here will suffice. After reading the sections on wind and tactics, I'm not sure you will be clear on what to do when you're actually on the race course.

Because this is Dennis Conner, it could have been a fabulous wealth of go-fast secret knowledge and advanced tactical maneuevers that one see's in America's Cup racing. There is none of that here. I think he kept his secrets secret.

So, buy this book for its entertainment value and appreciation of Dennis Conner's history, or if you want a true introductory book on yacht racing. But if you want the knowledge to beat Dennis Conner or someone like him, the info "ain't" here.