The authoritative 920-page boating book covers all aspects of sailing and boat handling for any boater. Set sail with confidence with Chapman’s, every time.

With three million copies sold, this essential sailing book is the trusted resource for boaters of all levels, from those learning how to tie knots to seasoned sailors who want to explore skills like star navigation.

Chapman’s covers the rich traditions of seamanship as well as modern advances in boating technology and practices. Power boaters and sailors alike will have at their fingertips all the information they need about:


Navigating day or night in any weather, on inland or coastal waters
Getting underway, returning to a marina, and mooring under power or sail
Sailboat maintenance, and sharing the waters with other vessels
Reading the weather and using radar
Knot tying and boat maintenance, and so much more


Recognized as essential by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Chapman is an indispensable and practical resource for all boaters. Its comprehensive content, including knot tying techniques and sailing knots, sailing alone, and even sailboat rigging, makes it an invaluable addition to any sailor's library.

When you're looking for thoughtful gifts for boaters or gifts for sailors, Chapman stands out as the timeless boating book of record, appreciated by educators and enthusiasts alike for more than a century. Its in-depth 4,200 entry index makes accessing information a breeze. It’s the ideal sailing coffee table book for any nautical home library along with the handy ebook edition means you can also easily take it on board whenever you set sail. Both resources together make for the perfect sailbook gifts.