Now in its seventh printing, Captain Jack's book, "Cruising with Quantum" was first published by Quantum Sail Design Group as a handout at boat shows. It quickly gained popularity as more topics, photos, and diagrams were added. It addresses, with clarity, the procedures and techniques taught by Captain Jack.
Until recently these books were available only at boat shows and cruising rendezvous where Captain Jack appeared. Now, thousands of copies later, this seventy-seven page book with ninety-seven diagrams and photos is available to all sailors.
"Cruising with Quantum" is frequently referred to as the most easily understood text on single handed docking, line handling/knot tying, storm tactics, anchoring, rules of the road, and steering rules under sail.
Jack's coverage of the thirty- tow topics is based upon his five decades of experiences as a licensed captain. In recent years his techniques (described herein) have come into popular use aboard sailboats from coast to coast, border to border, and across the Great Lakes.
Sailors executing his unique single line docking maneuvers, the three-second cleat hitch or lassoing a pole draw much notice at harbors and marinas everywhere. Curious observers often have their questions answered with; Captain Jack taught me!
Nearly every boat can be docked single handed using one long spring line.. Boats in excess of 45 feet in length or those with a center cockpit , however, may require one helper. Even with strong winds or rapid currents, Captain Jack's methods work. He teaches basic concepts and simple techniques and will show you how to turn a docking ordeal into a proud accomplishment.
"On my boat no one needs to jump from the deck to shore with a dock line. I almost never heave a line to a person on shore, thus giving up control of my boat to a stranger." Three basic rules to follow:
Dock into the wind.
Point your bow into the wind when docking. If the wind is from astern, you'll soon be in trouble.
Therefore: Change the wind or change your dock.
Captain Jack also has some very successful down wind docking procedures!
Captain Jack's advice on sail trim can make the difference between becalmed and actually sailing. When the wind howls, Jack will show you trim, steering, and downwind techniques including how to use your traveler to spill wind during puffs. Sails properly trimmed will result in more time sailing and less time running your engine. In "Single Handed Docking and Sail Trim," Captain Jack clearly teaches using model sailboats and a sailing simulator. He then follows up on the water demonstrating docking, sail time, and setting an asymmetrical spinnaker. Outstanding photography and clear explanations make learning easy. Order your DVD now!
Captain Jack's DVD's are offered in NTSC formatting only, for use in North America. Sailors from other nations should check their DVD player to determine if it is PAL (European formatting) and NTSC (North American) capable before purchasing.