John Vigor knows a thing or two about sailing. Heamprsquos been at it for decades in sailboats of all kindsampmdashracing heamprsquos a national champion cruising he has tens of thousands of miles of bluewater crossings and generally messing about there is no place heamprsquod rather be.John Vigor knows a thing or two about writing as well. A journalist by trade he was a reporter columnist and editor and heamprsquos written more than a few bestselling books about sailing.Things I Wish Iamprsquod Known Before I Started Sailing is a gift a blessing for sailors of all stripes a condensation of all he has learned over the years. Aimed at sailboat owners of all kinds this reference book contains 200 entries packed with solid practical advice and valuable tips. Each entry is categorized alphabetically and prefaced by an arresting statement such as ampquotPeople always lie about how fast their boats are.ampquot The reference format offers readers the opportunity to open the book at any page and browse endlessly. A comprehensive appendix covers some 50 technical topics.Hereamprsquos a small taste but look inside for the full banquetDonamprsquot waste your money on highpowered binoculars.Inflatable dinghies arenamprsquot all that good.Donamprsquot delude yourselfampmdashthere is no perfect boat.