1. Wind Required
Sailboats can be enjoyed leisurely on quiet lakes as well as on the ocean for exciting trips. The only requirements for a sailboat are movements in the wind and a bottom deep enough for the keel to move without hitting bottom. Smaller sailboats have moving keels, which can be lifted in shallow water. These are typically day sailboats, which do not have cabins for sleeping. Even though a true sailor abhors the sound of an engine, larger sailboats have an inboard or outboard engine to get through the windless times.
2. Into the Wind
Heading into the direction from which the wind is coming is called going upwind. The sails are pointed into the wind and off center just a little. When a sailboat is pointed exactly into the wind, it will come to a stop. So you always have to veer to the starboard or port when heading up.
3. Pull the Sails Tight
You have to pull the sails in tighter when heading up into the wind. Either the captain will shout to the crew to head up, or experienced sailors can tell when the wind has shifted and they need to make the adjustment to remain on course. The whole objective of heading up or down it so keep the boat moving in one direction. Loosening or tightening the sails does that. The rubber acts as a slight adjuster in the water, only as an adjunct to the sails.
4. Catch it Just Right
The wind will be coming over the bow, or front, of the boat when you head upwind. Another word for heading up is huffing. There are many sailing terms that you will learn as you continue sailing. Everything has its own name on a sailboat. As you pull the sails in tighter and closer to the center of the boat, the sails will flutter. You need to adjust the lines until the sails become taut once again and the fluttering stops. You'll feel the boat take off when you get this right. This is a classic racing move that, when done precisely, can give your boat a good advantage in a race.
5. Stalling Out
If the sails are not trimmed fast enough, the boat could end up directly into the wind, with the sails flapping and the boat will come to a complete stop. Often the boat is tacked to prevent a stall. The boom swings over to the other side of the boat and the crew grabs the lines quickly and tightens up on the sails to keep her moving. While the wind may be coming in slightly from the other side of the boat, it will remain on course.
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