The Art and Science of Sails: A Guide to Modern Materials, Construction, Aerodynamics, Upkeep, and Use

Having read the book I can finally look at a sail and start to understand what is really happening. Tom Whidden's book manages to demystify otherwise difficult to understand topics with simplicity and clarity.


Truly outstanding book   August 6, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The authors draw from their vast experience and share the various philosophies of sail design with the reader, exploring in more detail the North approach of designing sails the engineers way, so to speak. An outstanding book, covering all the important design choices and their consequences, and how they relate to sail trim. The book also includes perhaps the best written, short and concise explanation of the complexity of sail aerodynamics I have ever read.


Learn how modern sails REALLY work!   February 6, 1999
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I am very impressed by the way the author has made a very complex subject understandable, enjoyable and relevant! The science behind it all is fluid dynamics...but to the reader this book is ALL about sailing.

The explanations of how each individual sail works are very clear. Even more vital is the knowledge of how the foresail and main interact, how that impacts on boat speed and performance and how you can use that to improve your sailing. The explanation of "the slot", how it works and why the "myths" are "myths" I found particularly revealing!

The other feature that appealed to me was the balance between the technicalities and other aspects. The practical assessment of different sail materials was great, and the history and anecdotes of how modern sail design grew up is absorbing.

It isn't for the total novice...but it will teach a great deal to anyone beyond that.

Alistair Gillanders MRIN (RYA Ocean Yachtmaster)


Excellent book: lots of information and smooth reading   November 7, 1998
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This book has managed to get the correct balance. Tom Whidden explains why (and how) sails work in a scientific way. Still there are no formulas in the book. The result is a book that is very interesting for the sailor that is interested in science. Still the absence of math and formulas makes the book a very smooth reading.

Among other thing, Tom Whidden explains why the old slot effect theory is false. He also does a wonderful job in explaining the interaction between the headsail and the mainsail. The chapters on sailcloth and new materials are great, too. Unfortunately the book was written in 1990, thus there has probably been more advances in sail cloth technology since the book was written.

Overall a really great book.


Excellent explantion and information about sails.   March 29, 1997
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This book offers invaluable information on the how and why sails work. Someone with basic knowledge of sailing can use this book to understand the multiple dynamics of optimum sail selection and use. Even a seasoned sailor/racer will find information on getting that little extra from their sails