1. Leisurely Rides
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. 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. There are many different positions to assume when the sailboat is in motion. You should know also a pattern to reduce the sails when slowing or coming to a stop.
2. Decrease the Air
When the winds pick up as you are sailing, unless you are in a big hurry and know you can keep the boat even in the high winds, you should reduce the sails so they catch less air. The front sail, or jib, can be rolled in. You can adjust the amount of sail in the jib to half or less, or you can roll it all the way in and just move with the mainsail furled. If there is still too much wind, then you can begin to adjust the amount of sail that is catching the wind on the mainsail. The lines attached to the mast must be loosened so you can roll the sail up from the bottom. You have to be careful when rolling up either sail that the boat remains upright and on an even keel.
3. Single-handed Sailing
Many new techniques allow a sailor to perform the entire trimming and reducing of sails single-handedly. Long lines reach back into the cockpit so that the captain can adjust them while continuing to steer the boat. A steady hand is critical on the wheel when the boat hits high winds. Adjustments to the course need to be made with each change in the sails.
4. End of the Ride
When pulling into port, you must follow a specific procedure to take down the sails. Some captains prefer to begin reducing the sails as you near your destination. You may pull in the jib for a while, then pull it all the way in. As the boat continues on the main, you will let out the sails to slow the boat down. If a sailboat has an engine, then the captain may turn the boat directly into the wind and fluff the mainsail. Crew members should quickly grab the sail and pull it down to the desk, securing it with available ties or with their bodies. The boat can then motor into its dock. If sailing into the dock, it is also important for the mainsail to come down at precisely the right time to avoid hitting the dock or other boats.
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