Beginner's Guide to Sailing

Beginning sailors often get into trouble for not knowing how to steer and handle wind conditions. Watch this beginner's guide to sailing to learn more.

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Start in light winds
Practice tacking & jibing
Sail with a friend
Take lessons
Talk to other sailors

About this Author

As a young man, Butch was standing at the sea, when he fell in love with what he saw, the wind pushing beautiful sailing vessels across the waters so effortlessly. It wasn't long before he was crewing for many racing skippers around the club's courses. As father time marched on, he became less content with his land career, so a few years ago he left it for a life on the Bay. He is currently the president and CEO of Tradewinds Sailing School and Club in the San Francisco Bay area.

BUTCH FLOREY: If you're a beginner and never sailed before, you got a book and you're reading it, and it's very, very confusing. What I'd like you to do is if it--go out in what we call light winds, 5 knots or less, have some fun. You'll go down with very easily and somebody will tow you home [SOUNDS LIKE] when you upwind. You could do some beam reaches. I think it's a really good point to sail. Reach across; turn the boat around, ridge back. So anyway, if you're going out, then put your life jacket on; tell somebody who loves you where you're going. I think with the modern convenience of a cell phone, put it in a plastic bag, put it on the boat so it doesn't get lost. And if you get in trouble out at least you can call somebody to come and get you. And read like the sea is sail with a buddy, because sometimes a 2 know set of hands will help you get out of trouble. I always suggest to take lessons, absolutely. Get you off on the right foot, get you into sailing quicker. You'll have more fun. These pros will teach you the ins and outs and what to do and what not to do. And that I think what's probably more important.

Beginner's Guide to Sailing Video

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