Sailing is one of the oldest methods of distance travel. It can also be exhilarating: mastering the elements, feeling a new freedom and seeing life from the blue water. Sailing utilizes the environment in a way that no other transportation does. A proficient sailor can read the wind, the water and the weather and knows every mood and technicality of his vessel. Sailing can be peaceful but it can also be dangerous. It's best to learn sailing from someone experienced, but it helps to start by learning some basics.
Step 1
Learn the sailing terms:
Bow -- the front of the boat
Stern -- the back of the boat
Port -- left when inside the boat
Starboard -- right when inside the boat
Tiller -- the wooden handle that attaches to the rudder and controls steering of the boat
Halyard -- the rope that lifts the sail
Boom -- the wooden spar that holds and moves the sail
Sheet -- the rope that controls the sail
Luffing -- when the sail is flapping in the wind
Under way -- when the boat is moving forward
Step 2
Point the boat into the wind. You may need to wiggle the tiller or use the paddle to do this. Raise the sail. Pull on the halyard until the tip of the sail has reached the top. Tie the halyard to the cleat provided. Hold the tiller in one hand and the sheet in the other.
Step 3
Get the feel of the wind. Holding onto both the tiller and the sheet, carefully turn the tiller angling the boat away from the wind. Note that moving the tiller right makes the front of the boat go to the left. The boat will begin to move.
Stall the boat. Point it back into the wind.
Practice this until you are comfortable with the movement.
Step 4
Point the boat 90 percent into the wind. If the sail is luffing, pull it in a little.
The boat will heel over. Lean or move your weight opposite the side of the boat. Don't let it heel more than 20 percent, if it does, turn more into the wind or loosen the sail.
Step 5
Come about: First get up speed. Ease the boat to more like 35 percent from the wind. Without letting go, confidently and quickly move the tiller to the other side of the boat and quickly move all occupants to the other side.
Watch the boom. The boom may swing across, so duck or otherwise get out of the way. As soon as the boat is over, readjust the sail and tiller.
Tips and Warnings
- It's best to start in a small boat when learning to sail. Always come about into the wind, not away from the wind. Stay in calm waters and stay close to shore until the boat is well under control. Weather conditions can change suddenly. It's prudent for a beginner to return to shore at the first sign conditions will worsen. If the wind is stronger than you can handle, quickly lower the sail.
- It is absolutely imperative to be a good swimmer before attempting to sail: boats occasionally turn over or just jerk suddenly, thrusting their passengers into the water. Never trust your life to a personal flotation device even though they are a good idea and are required in many areas. Try not to make sudden moves of the sheet or the tiller when the sail is full. Sudden movements can cause the boat to destabilize and dump passengers or turn over.
Things You'll Need
- Small sailboat, fully rigged
- Paddles or outboard
- Personal flotation devices to accommodate all aboard
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