E. F. Knight 
Small-Boat Sailing – An Explanation of the Management of Small Yachts, Half-Decked and Open Sailing-Boats of Various Rigs, Sailing on Sea and on River; Cruising, Etc. [EPUB ebook] 

Originally published in 1905. This is a fascinating read for any sailing enthusiast or historian, but also contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Contents Include; I. The selection of a boat, II. The effect of the wind on a boat, III. Splices, Knots, and Tackles, IV. The Small open sailing boat, V. Open Sailing-boats with boom sails, and half-decked boats, VI. Decked boats, VII. Seamanship, VIII. Open Boat Sailing, IX. The Cruising Yacht, X. The Art of Coasting, XI. Description of a voyage, XII. Board of trade and other regulations affecting yachtsmen, XIII. Two cruises on Lanteen-Rigged Craft. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.