Directions for Sailing

Unlike other forms of boating, sailing requires that you master the art of using the wind to propel a sailboat across the water in the direction that you wish to go.You must learn how to manipulate a boat's sails (there is usually more than one, including a primary sail called the mainsail and sails in front of the mainsail called the headsails), how to support the sails and masts through riggings, and how to steer the boat by using the wind and the tiller. Though sailing can take years to learn, there are some basic introductory directions one should know before taking to the seas.

Things You'll Need

  • Sailboat (with a tiller)
  • Sails (depending on the size of the boat, one mainsail and additional sails, such as headsails and a spinnaker)
  • Masts
  • Riggings
  • Flotation device
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn the ways wind effects a sailboat. You need to understand the power of wind before getting out on the water. Wind can propel a boat forward, move it laterally (known as "making leeway"), turn it over, or turn it around. All of these effects depend on the wind, the way a sailor uses the wind in his or her sails, and the balance on the boat created by the way the sailor rigs the sails. Also brush-up on your sailing terminology, so that when someone tells you to "trim the sail," you have some idea of what the person is asking.

    • 2

      Choose the right conditions to practice: It is best for beginners to practice sailing on calm waters that do not see much boat traffic, much like beginning drivers should practice driving in empty parking lots. You should also practice when weather conditions are calm and the forecast promises beautiful, peaceful day on the water. Finally, start your sailing lessons with a small boat that has only one sail to manage.

    • 3

      Learn sail control: Practice rigging your sails for different wind conditions. For example, flat sails should be used for extreme winds (either very light or very strong), and full sails should be hoisted with moderate winds.

    • 4

      Practice capsizing: This might sound like exactly what a beginning sailor would want to avoid, but it is important to practice what you need to do in case your sailboat capsizes. Be sure to practice capsizing with a trusted sailor or instructor on-hand and learn the best strategy for you and your boat to make it out of a capsizing intact. Usually, you stand on the boat's centerboard to right the boat. As the boat is turning, you and your passengers may be able to scramble inside without getting dunked.

    • 5

      Always be aware: Manning any kind of moving object, whether it's a boat, car or bike, means always being aware of the conditions around you. Learn about weather- and water-condition warning signs, continually check your sails and rigging to make sure that everything is working properly, and—of course—always be sure that you and anyone else on your sailboat is aware of where the boom (the horizontal pole that stretches out from the bottom of the mast) is and where it might be headed. A swinging boom can cause serious injury or push a sailor overboard.