Please select your home edition
Edition
Barton Marine 2019 728x90

Book review: Winning Isn't Luck by Fred Imhoff

by Magnus Smith 11 Sep 2016 20:09 BST 11 September 2016
Winning Isn't Luck by Fred Imhoff © Magnus Smith

Seeing this book title really made me chuckle, and I have a soft spot for Imhoff from my childhood, when I would drool over photos of Flying Dutchman control systems in his 1984 book, which is literally within reach of where I sit in my office. I cheerfully requested a review copy of the new book.

I'm pleased to report it has lots of good bits of information, many small tips that I think are worth remembering, as well as some larger discourses that I think I need to re-read to understand fully.

Thank goodness the diagrams are numerous; they really help explain things so much better than text. Some of those diagrams gave me real eye-opening moments. Page 66 was a personal favourite, which means I now shouldn't pick the wrong side of the beat when considering tide/current. The only trouble comes when you realise a racing sailor must consider all these little nuggets of knowledge simultaneously, and weigh up the advantages of one over the other if they oppose.

Imhoff's discussion of protest technique elicited a laugh. He's a cunning fellow! I did a little research on other books that consider protests and they seem rather rare. Eric Twiname does cover them in 'Start to Win' (also in print from Adlard Coles Nautical / Bloomsbury). I did like Imhoff's approach though. The advice is great for mid-fleet sailors, who may not see a protest at their club for years, then get embroiled in one at a championship.

Upon reaching the back of the book I was delighted to see it had a proper index. Maybe I am a bit of a book geek, but no-one likes flicking pages endlessly when (say) you can't recall where the bit about blanketing was.

That reminds me, the analysis of blanketing was definitely a whole new way of thinking. Very scientific, yet proven by practical observation too. I will store that one away and hope my brain can retrieve it when required.

To decide if this book is right for you, use the 'Look inside!' feature on Amazon to virtually flick through the pages. I've also reproduced the list of chapter titles below. Whilst I am a dinghy sailor, the book has been written with equal attention to small keelboats too.

Book details

Fred Imhoff
Winning Isn't Luck
How to Succeed in Racing Dinghies and Yachts
Paperback, with ebook editions in EPUB, PDF and Kindle format
FIrst edition 2016
For sale at www.bloomsbury.com/uk/winning-isnt-luck-9781472922465

"Imhoff doesn't believe he was a better helmsman than his competitors -
he just thought more about all the aspects that contributed to his success."

Contents

  • INTRODUCTION
  • ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES
  • PREPARATION
  • EQUIPMENT
  • THE FORCES ON FITTINGS AND LINES
  • THE HOW AND WHY OF TRIMMING
  • WEATHER HELM
  • TRIMMING ON WAVES
  • METEOROLOGY
  • SAILBOAT RACING IN CURRENT
  • TACTICS
  • PROTESTS AND WHAT THEY ENTAIL
  • THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SAILBOAT RACING
  • INSTRUMENTS
  • HOW SAILS WORK
  • AFTERWORD
  • FURTHER READING
  • INDEX

Related Articles

Make me smile even wider and brighter
What's better than writing about a great programme to get people into yachting? Only one thing... What's better than writing about a great programme to get people into yachting? Well, how about actually speaking with a former participant who has then gone on to work in the industry. That's what! Posted on 22 Apr
The holistic approach of Ancasta Yacht Services
Helping owners protect their investment and keep their boat in top condition Take a look behind the wood, gelcoat and trim panels on any modern yacht or powerboat, and you'll see that they are complex things. An array of cables, hoses & pipes interconnects electronic devices and amenities which make life on board more comfortable. Posted on 17 Apr
Jazz Turner explains more about Project FEAR
She will leave the wheelchair behind to sail unassisted around the British Isles for charity I caught up with Jazz Turner, who cited "the pure freedom I get when on the water" as the most important thing to her. Most of us sailors can appreciate that, but what we cannot really empathise with is being told you may only have 6 months to live. Posted on 15 Apr
Pro Sailing Drama and Intrigue
SailGP, the America's Cup, and the sailors themselves have all been in the mainstream news What a couple of weeks it has been in the world of professional sailing: SailGP, the America's Cup, and the sailors themselves have all been in the mainstream news for one reason or another. Posted on 15 Apr
For the love of small, fast boats - the Cape 26
Chickens, eggs, and boats. Until now, had never, ever put that lot together! The proverbial chicken, an egg, and boats. Not entirely sure I had ever pondered that until after my recent conversation with Davey James and Mark Mills. The genesis for the discussion was the reveal of the new Cape 26 OD.... Posted on 6 Apr
The Proving Ground
Why the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS is such an important regatta The end of an Olympic quadrennial cycle often brings sailing campaigns to an end. Some partnerships in doublehanded classes split, with helm and crew going their separate ways, while others use the time to reflect on their future. Posted on 1 Apr
The most important job in sailing
How Nick Scott is delivering radical change to competitive sailing pathways in the UK I am putting forward that falls to Nick Scott and his team. Namely to secure its competitive future by addressing challenges and delivering radical change while bringing people on that journey with him. Posted on 31 Mar
Revealing the Secrets of the 'Impossible' XR 41
An out and out race yacht, but also a sporty cruiser, thanks to its modular interior The XR 41 from X-Yachts was quite a departure from what they'd been doing for the last 15 years: concentrating on high-end Performance Racing Cruisers. This is an out and out race yacht, but it's also a sporty cruiser, thanks to its modular interior. Posted on 27 Mar
Going to publish the 'F' word – Again!
Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing Now we published the first one back in June last year. It did really well, thank you. Very much appreciated. Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing, and are keen to get into the foiling world. Posted on 23 Mar
RYA influences MCA's changes to regulations
Interview with Niall McLeod to see how Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice affects us The RYA have been working closely with the the government to make sure that new regulations for leisure vessels are not too restrictive. It seems that any group which operates a "coded" vessel should be thankful. Posted on 18 Mar