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+--- Thread: Happy Hooking - The Art of Anchoring Demystifies Tackle and Technique in a Delightfully Readable New Book (/showthread.php?tid=421071)
Happy Hooking - The Art of Anchoring Demystifies Tackle and Technique in a Delightfully Readable New Book - FishNews - 06-07-2008
Mahwah, NJ (PRWEB) June 5, 2008 -- Happy Hooking -- the Art of Anchoring is a very readable book loaded with valuable information on modern and traditional anchors, rodes, techniques, and etiquette as well as the 'occasional' anecdote. This is the first new book on anchoring in the US in decades - simply stated a must have for every boater or sailor.
<br>Happy Hooking Cover
<br>Just ask any sailor what is their favorite anchor and you are bound to embark on a lively discussion of anchors, rodes, 'memorable' experiences, and 'entertaining' stories
Unless you are far offshore, at some point or another you are going to want to park your boat. Anchoring a boat can be a lovely dance in a harbor, or a painful and often embarrassing display of Homo sapiens' inability to plan or communicate. Happy Hooking is intended to help the reader find a combination of tackle and technique best suited for the circumstances when anchoring a vessel. By reviewing how different anchors work, the pluses and minuses of different adjunctive pieces of equipment, and the current thinking about how to execute the anchoring and weighing maneuvers, you should be armed with enough information to make some informed decisions about what might work best for you.<br>
<br>From truly differentiated new gear and proven techniques to the ever-entertaining subject of anchoring etiquette, Happy Hooking - The Art of Anchoring, authored by Captains Alex and Daria Blackwell, is sure to be a valued addition to any boater's library. Divided into four parts, Happy Hooking provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to securely anchor your vessel so you can enjoy a peaceful night's rest and enjoy cruising in your local waters or venturing far and wide. Four sections cover broad subject areas including:<br>
<br>1. "Hooking Gear" - Anchoring Tackle
<br>2. "Getting Hooked" - Anchoring Techniques
<br>3. "Hooking Up with Friends" - Tying Up and Rafting
<br>4. "Hooking Rules" - Anchoring Etiquette<br>
<br>With more anchors to choose from, more options for gear to attach to them, more techniques being discussed in boating environments in real life and online, and less time to sift through the information, it is a subject that is more confusing than ever to many boaters - yet none less critical.<br>
<br>"We are currently experiencing major scientific advances in the design of gear and use of materials that make this an exciting but potentially confusing time for many boaters," states Daria Blackwell. "Whereas older anchors were of hook, fluke or plow design, many newer anchors tend to be digging anchors which bury into the substrate, with some radical exceptions. They inspire a different mindset relative to variables such as how to deploy these anchors. In fact, some challenge traditional thinking in many categories," she added.<br>
<br>Not since the now classic book by Earl Hinz has there been a more comprehensive look at the subject of anchoring in the United States. The authors, Alex and Daria Blackwell, researched gear and technique extensively and provide a reasonably objective analysis of how some of the new anchors stack up to the tried and true predecessors on the basis of comparative tests done by independent third parties, personal experience, and the advice of experts in the field. With interspersed anecdotes and stories, Happy Hooking is not just a technical tome but rather an entertaining and eminently readable work that should help boaters acquire the insights that will help them choose the right gear for their vessels and cruising territory, help them stay securely put when they want to or need to, and help them to make the most of their experience with friends.<br>
<br>"Just ask any sailor what is their favorite anchor and you are bound to embark on a lively discussion of anchors, rodes, 'memorable' experiences, and 'entertaining' stories," remarked Alex Blackwell. "What we've tried to do here is to share some of those stories and experiences so that perhaps they can help others be better prepared." Despite having basic information that every boater needs to know about anchoring for their own enjoyment and safety, experienced boaters are sure to find plenty of new information, tips and tricks to consider.<br>
<br>Daria and Alex believe that advance preparation is the key to safety in any situation. They are quick to point out that each situation is very different so each person has to make judgment calls for his or her own boat, equipment, cruising territory and skill level. According to Daria, "The only thing we can hope to do is let boaters know what their options are so they can make better informed decisions. Hopefully, we'll entertain them a bit along the way, so they'll be more willing participants in the journey."<br>
<br>Daria and Alex Blackwell are avid sailors aboard their 57 foot ketch Aleria. They have published extensively in sailing magazines, professional journals, and online. Alex's prior book, Oyster Delight by Jonathan Mite, was released earlier this year. They are currently packing their belongings and sailing to Ireland, the first leg of what may turn out to be a world cruise. Onyx (the Cruising Kitty) has already packed and is eagerly awaiting sushi dinners.