1. Fun Sailing
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 boats are typically day sailboats, or dinghies, which do not have cabins for sleeping. You can sail in a dinghy from a dock or from a shoreline. The boats are easy to pull up onto shores for swimming or storing; the keel is easily lifted into the boat and you can jump out and pull it up after lowering the sails. You may also sail on a dinghy that is attached to or kept on deck of a larger boat. Larger sailboats and some powerboats carry a dinghy for easy access to shore or just for some fun day sailing while docked or anchored for a few days.
2. Sailing Skills
When sailing a dinghy, the same principles apply that you use to move a larger sailboat through the water. One of the biggest differences though is how you handle heeling. Heeling happens when the boat begins to lean to one side. While a sailboat can continue to move through the water when it is heeling, it will lose speed. Larger sailboats, 26-feet and above, have a long enough keel that they can lean really far over to one side before they risk tipping. A smaller sailboat, or a dinghy, will tip easily if it heels too far to either side. Many sailors, especially new, inexperienced sailors, enjoy the ride while heeling. It can be really exciting to be riding the water sideways. An experienced sailor prefers steady, constant motion, adjusting the sails and the weight in the boat to compensate for the heeling.
3. Right the Boat
When a dinghy capsizes, everything and everyone not tied down goes in the water. Tie down important things like coolers and electronics. Sailors in dinghies should always wear lifejackets, too. Learn to right the boat when capsizing happens. After the initial shock of the water, find the keel. It is the long board that sticks out through the bottom of the boat. Stand up on the keel and grab on to a line that is attached to the mast. If you can't find that line,then try to reach another line that is attached to the side of the boat that's in the water. Lean back, with your knees bent, and pull on the line as you keep leaning backwards. The boat should pop out of the water. Make sure that the mainsail line is loose so it doesn't fill with water, making it more difficult to lift.
Member Comments