Why does a boat sail at all? What classes are there, from Finn dinghies to super catamarans? And what is a wind scoop? Marc Bielefeld, who regularly trades his permanent residence for his sailboat, knows everything about life on the water: from wondrous terms like "swallow nests," "shack," and "staging rider"; to nautical charts, sunrises, and harbor pubs. He meets blue water sailors and cruisers, offshore racers, and weekend yachties. He recalls encounters with dhow sailors in Arabia, circumnavigators at Cape Horn, and the professionals of the America's Cup, all of whom share one thing in common: the wind as their only propulsion. In the end, you'll never forget where port and starboard are, and you'll wish to finally be at the helm yourself.