For centuries, the sea has captured the spirit of sailors and adventurers in all corners of the world. In his poem "Sea Fever", John Masefield stated that what he needed was "a tall ship and a star to guide him". Exploring the world by sailing can be a challenge, but this article will guide you through the ups and downs of the marine world. As a side note, this article will encourage you to get started, but make sure you have plenty of time with experienced sailors and boats before you set sail on your own.
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Part 1 of 5: Gaining Basic Knowledge of Sailing
Step 1. Understand the different parts of a sailboat
It is important to know the different parts for reasons of safety and efficiency of using a sailboat. If you don't know what to do when someone suddenly shouts, “prepare for a tack” or “look boom!” You will be in trouble.
- Block: This is a marine world term for a pulley.
- Boom: Horizontal support to the main sail leg that extends from the mast. This is the part you should pay attention to when you change the direction of the sailboat. It can hit your head pretty hard if you hit your head.
- Bow: This is the front of the boat.
- Centerboard: This is a (usually fiberglass) plate that pivots on the keel on some boats and is used to balance the boat while sailing.
- Cleats: Cleats are ropes that are tightened when they need to be tightened.
- Halyard: A rope that expands or lowers the sail.
- Hull: The hull is the body of the boat and consists of everything that lies below the deck.
- Jib: This is the sail on the front of the boat. Jib helps propel the boat to move forward.
- Genoa: Larger front screen than the jib.
- Keel: The keel is the part that prevents the boat from sliding sideways (“moving with the wind”) due to the wind and stabilizes the boat.
- Line: Line is a rope. The rope is located anywhere on the boat. There is only one rope on the sailboat, the bolt rope which runs along the legs of the main sail.
- Mainsail: As the name suggests, this is the main sail of the boat. This is the sail that is connected to the back of the mast of the boat.
- Mast: The mast is a large, vertical pole that is attached to the sail. Some boats have more than one mast.
- Painter: This is a rope located at the front of a small boat. It is used to hook the boat to a dock or other boat.
- Rudder: Rudder is how the boat is steered. It is actuated so that when you turn the rudder or the rudder of the boat, the rudder steers the boat in the direction you want it to go.
- Sheets: The ropes that control the screen
- Spinnaker: A normally light colored sail, used when sailing downwind.
- Stays and Shrouds: This is the wire that ensures the mast stands properly, even when the wind is blowing hard. (aka standing rigging.)
- Stern: This is a term for the back of a boat.
- Tiller: Tiller is a rod or stick connected to the rudder, used to control the rudder.
- Transom: This is what is usually called the base of the boat. This is the back of the boat that lies perpendicular to its axis.
- Wheel: Steering runs the rudder, steers the boat.
- Winch: A winch or winch assists in attaching the rope. When the rope is wrapped around the crane, the sailor can turn the crane by the handle so that it will be easier to attach the rope.
Step 2. Understand the different types of sailboats
In general, if you are a novice sailor, you usually will not operate your schooner. You may be working with a catboat, cutter, or lifeboat.
- Sloop: Sloop or lifeboat is the most common type of sailboat (when you think of sailboats, lifeboats are probably one of the images you have in mind). The lifeboat has a single mast and is equipped with a jib at the front and the main sail is attached to the back of the mast. Lifeboats come in several sizes and are suitable for downwind sailing.
- Catboat: A catboat has a mast attached near the front of the boat and it is a single sailboat. They are small (or large) in size and easy to operate by one or two people.
- Cutter: The cutter has one mast with two screens in front and a main screen behind the mast. These boats are used for small groups and can be piloted with relative ease.
- Ketch: Ketch has two masts, and the second mast is called mizzen mast. Mizzen is shorter than the main mast and is located in front of the rudder.
- Yawl: The yawl is similar to the ketch, but the mizzen mast is located behind the rudder. The reason for installing the mizzen mast behind the rudder is that the mizzen on the yawl is used to maintain balance, not to move the boat forward.
- Schooner: Schooner is a large sailboat with two or more masts. The mast on the back of the boat is higher or equal to the height of the mast located at the front of the boat. Schooners can be used for fish trading, transporting goods, and as warships.
Step 3. Understand the common terms used in sailing boats
In addition to the terms used for the different parts of a boat, there are also certain terms that sailors generally use when at sea (or heading out to sea). The trick to remembering that the port is left and starboard is right is that the starboard has 2 letters 'R', which is the first letter of the word 'right'. Starboard, green and right have more letters than port, red, and left. You may also remember that “port wine is red”.
- Port: When you are facing the bow (front of the boat), your left is the port.
- Starboard: The starboard is the right side of the boat when facing the bow.
- Windward: As the name suggests, windward is where the wind blows.
- Leeward: This is also called 'Lee'. This is the opposite direction from which the wind is blowing.
- Tacking: Tacking is the time when you turn the bow against the wind so that the wind blows from one side of the boat to the other. This is when you should pay attention to the boom, as the boom will move from one side of the boat to the other when you tack (you won't do this if you don't need it).
- Gybing (Jibing): This is the opposite of tacking, which means that this is the time when you have to turn the boat back against the wind so that the wind moves from one side of the boat to the other. This is a more dangerous move when done in strong winds than tackling because you are turning the boat moving away from the wind. Practice paying attention to control the boom during this movement is essential as serious accidents can occur when the boom passes through the cockpit.
- Luffing: This is the moment when you steer the boat in the direction of the wind so the sails start to expand and lose rudder.
Step 4. Understand about navigation buoys
It's important to look out and follow the navigation buoys – they will guide you to where the water conditions are safe. In North America, on your way out of port, the “red” buoy is almost always left in the harbor, while the “green” buoy is left on the starboard. (Remember, Red-Right-Returning). For much of the world, this is another way of turning.
Part 2 of 5: Preparing the Boat
Step 1. Do a detailed check
Check for equipment that maintains a standing position – cables and ropes that support the mast – including turnbuckles and cotter pins that provide hull security. Most sailboats dismantle the mast because 15 cents of cotter pin is missing!
- Check the ropes (“running rigging”) that lift and control the sails (halyards and sheets). Make sure that they are separated, not entangled with each other or caught in other equipment, and that they have “all” eight knots or other knots loose (“bitter”) so they cannot pull through the mast or sheave.
- Pull all ropes from the cleats and turn off the winch. Let nothing tie the ropes; everything should be free to move and open.
- If you have a topping lift – a small rope that attaches to the back of the boom and stays out when the screen is not in use – allow it to let the boom loosen down freely, then latch on or re-tighten it. Watch the boom; it just swings around this point; this will cause a painful “sound” if you or your crew are hit by a boom swing. The boom will return to a horizontal position when you hoist or raise the mainsail.
- If equipped, ensure that the tiller is properly attached and controls the rudder. Your sailboat is now noon to sail!
Step 2. Determine the wind direction
If your boat doesn't have a windex on the top of the mast, hook a pair of pieces of old cassette tape, VHS tape, or 9-inch oily thread onto the shroud – the cable that holds the mast. This will show you the direction the wind is blowing. Some sailors use cassette tapes because they are more sensitive. If that's your case, try using VHS tape or oily thread instead.
- Place it on each side, about four feet higher than the side of the boat.
- To sail effectively, you need knowledge of wind direction.
Step 3. Navigate your boat in the direction of the wind
This is done to avoid gusts of wind when raising or inflating the sail, while keeping the sail upright. In this position, the screen will not tear if it is hit by a screen strap or other hardware. This is not easy. The boat will not turn easily because it is not moving (“under way”). Do the best you can, but be prepared to do it!
- If your boat has an engine, use the engine to keep the boat in the wind while you raise the sails.
- Here's a useful tip: if the water isn't very deep at the dock, or if you don't have a pier side, steer the boat away from the dock and anchor in the sand, and your boat will automatically steer itself in the direction of the wind.
Part 3 of 5: Hoisting or Raising the Screen
Step 1. Tether the screen
Fasten the lower front (“tack”) of the mainsail and jib to attach them to the boom and bow to the boat.
- There will be a small rope (“outhaul”) that attaches the rear of the mainsail (“clew”) to the boom and cleat. Pull and secure to the cleats. It also tightens the screen legs.
- Raise the mainsail by pulling the halyard down until it stops. The screen will be fluttering (“luffing”) vigorously, but this is safe for a short period of time. (Excessive flutter will drastically reduce screen durability).
- The leading edge of the screen (luff) should be tight enough to avoid creases, but not too tight as this can create vertical creases on the screen.
- There will be cleats around the halyard that will extend down from the top of the mast. Tighten the halyard. Use halylard on the jib, raise the front sail (jib, genoa or headsail), and tighten the sail strap. Both screens will expand freely at this time. The sail will always lift the mainsail first, then the jib, as it is easier to steer the boat in the direction of the wind using the mainsail or main sail.
Step 2. Adjust the aim and balance the sail against the wind
Sailboats cannot sail in the direction of the wind. As shown below, the red area on the diagram indicates the “no go” area when sailing. To sail in the direction of the wind, the sailboat must sail about 45-50 degrees to the wind and change destinations by tacking (or zigzagging).
- Turn your boat to the left (port) or right (starboard) so that it is at 90 degrees to the cardinal directions. This is known as beam reach.
- Pull the main sheet (trimming) until the screen is positioned about 45 degrees perpendicular to its previous position (“aft”). It's a safe place for the home screen while you keep the jim balance.
- You can start to move and lean ("heeling") away from the wind. Heels that are more than 20 degrees usually indicate it's out of your control. Removing the main sheet temporarily (“breaking the main”) will reduce the amount of heel, and you will return to sailing at a comfortable angle of 10 to 15 degrees.
Step 3. Keep the sheet balance on the jib
Even if the mainsail is raised first, the jib must be balanced first. There are two sheets on the jib, one for each side of the boat. Pull the sheet on the jib away from the origin of the wind (“leeward side”). This is an active sheet called a lazy sheet.
The jib will form a curve or pocket; keep the screen in balance until the front side stops expanding. Take the reins (or “helmet”) and stay on track
Step 4. Keep the mainsail balance
Allow the main sheet on the front side to expand on its own, then pull it back until it stops.
- If you or the wind is changing direction, this is an efficient place to set sails. If there are changes, you can adjust.
- You have begun to enter the world of sailors, and you will learn many things, or see the consequences.
Part 4 of 5: Sailing with Your Boat
Step 1. Pay attention to the front side of the screen on the main screen or mainsail and jib
If the sail starts to expand, you have two options: tighten the sail sheet so that it stops expanding, or keep it away from the wind (“bear off”). When the sail expands, it means that you are following the wind direction too much in your sail settings. If you bear off, (away from the wind) your sails will stop expanding.
Step 2. Watch your wind indicators (telltales)
If you notice a change so that more of the wind is coming behind you, you will be wasting a lot of energy. Allow the sail to be in a position perpendicular to the wind. you will remain constant; watch the sails, telltales and control the sails because the wind won't blow from a constant direction for long.
- When the wind is behind and to your side (aft quarter), it is called broad reach. This is an efficient sail position because the sails are full of wind and propel the ship with full force.
- When the wind is behind you, you walk with the wind. This will not be efficient because the jib is covered by the mainsail and not filled with air.
- When you go with the wind, you can pull the jib to move to the other side of the boat so that the jib can be filled with air. This is called “wing-on-wing”, and you must maintain a firm grip on the tiller to maintain the configuration of the screen. Some boats have a “whisker pole” attached to the front of the mast and clew of the jib which makes the jib easier to control and fill with the wind. Be sure to stay alert for obstacles and other boats, as the sails in front of you block your view significantly.
- Be careful-when the boat is moving, the sails will move sideways, and cause the wind which is basically behind the boom to change suddenly (“jibe” or “gybe”), hitting the cockpit with a slight push.
- If you have a wind indicator on the top of the mast, do not straighten the boat so that the wind indicator points to the mainsail. If that happens, you are sailing with the boom on the windward (“sailing by the lee”) and are at high risk for an accidental jibe. When that happens, the boom can hit you hard enough to knock you unconscious and bounce off the boat (“overboard”).
- It is good practice to install a deterrent (rope from boom to rail foot or cleat provided) to limit movement of boom through the cockpit in case of an accidental gybe.
Step 3. Close reach
Turn your boat slightly toward the wind (“head up”) so that you are about 60-75 degrees from the wind. You will keep the balance sheet tightly so that the sails are more in line with the boat. This is called a “close reach”. Your sails will act like an airfoil on a plane: the wind is pulling the boat, not pushing the boat.
Step 4. Close haul
Continue to turn toward the wind ('head up') and tighten the sheet until you can't move away (the jib should never come into contact with the spreader on the mast). This is called “close-hauled, and is as close as you can sail to the wind (about 45-60 degrees from the wind). On a windy day, you will find joy!
Step 5. Sail in the direction of the wind to reach your destination
Sail as close to the wind as possible, close-hauled. On some sailboats, it is at about 45 degrees.
- When you have sailed as far as you can go, turn your boat against the wind (or change direction by "tacking"), pulling the jib sheet from the cleats or straightening the winch drum as the front of the boat (the "bow") rotates downwind.
- Play and boom will hit the boat. The mainsail will adjust itself on the other side, but you must quickly pull the jib sheet on the opposite side of the cleat or winch, while guiding the boat to the point where the mainsail begins to pull back.
- If you do it right, the boat won't be too slow and you'll be sailing in a different direction than the wind is blowing. If you re-tighten the jib sheet too slowly and the boat goes too far, don't panic. The boat will be pushed slightly sideways until the speed increases.
- Another scenario could be failing to place the bow of your boat toward the wind fast enough and the boat will come to a halt. These are known as “in irons”, which is a shame, but every sailor has experienced it, whether he admits it or not. Being in a state of in irons is easy to overcome: when the boat begins to move backwards, you will return to the deck.
- Point the steering wheel in the direction you want and tighten the jib in the direction the wind is blowing (“backwinding the sail”). The wind will push the bow in the direction of the wind. Once you're done tackling, remove the jib from the winch on the windward side and pull it up the leeward and you'll be on the path you want.
- Since the boat's speed is easily lost when tackling, you'll want to do this move as gently and quickly as possible. You can keep tackling until you reach your goal.
Step 6. Be calm when studying
Understand that this is a good way to practice on a calm day, such as learning to moor your boat (making the sails less inflated). You will do this when the wind is blowing too hard and it is beyond your control.
- Reefing is almost always done before you think you need it.
- It's also a good idea to practice boat repair procedures on a calm day. Knowing how to repair a boat is a required skill.
Step 7. Sail safely
Remember that your rod and chain are an important piece of safety equipment and can be used to stop a boat from running aground or can even be used to bring the boat back to life.
Part 5 of 5: Sailboat Storage
Step 1. Downgrade and save your screen
Once you're safely stopped at the dock, lower the sail by releasing the tension from the rope that holds the sail. When your screen is not in use, it should be folded and stored in a display storage case. You should do this technique for the mainsail and jib. Remove all display boards from their place. Once you've folded the mainsail, place it on the cover and attach it to the boom with some ties. Don't fold the sails the same way every time or they won't expand in the wind. Your screen should be stored dry and free of salt, as stored wet screens will generally grow mold.
Step 2. Clean all equipment before you leave the boat
Tighten the rope by attaching it to the cleats. Neatly wrap all loose ropes and secure them with ties, keeping them out of the way of people on deck. Wash the deck that has been exposed to salt, especially if the deck is made of teak. Salt can stain wood.
Tips
- If something bad happens – too much wind, manning passengers to get off the boat, and so on – remember that you can easily take the boat to a stopover by pulling the three sails on the cleats or turning off the winch. The boat will (usually) stop.
- Try to learn to determine the direction of the wind using your ears. Let the wind blow against your back, then slowly turn your head from left to right until you feel "balanced" around your ears. Once you've found that point, you now know the direction of the wind, and using this method, you'll know more about the wind without having to use your eyesight.
- Most screens have colored strips of material attached to the edges of the front screen. Your screen works best when all the signs are waving on the back.
- Make sure that you have a good engine in the boat, and that you know how to use it. This is very important because it will get you out of any trouble.
- Learn at least two knots of rope. Eight knots are attached at the end of the rope to prevent the rope from slipping from the fairlead, pulley (or pulley), or sheave. Bowlines (“Kings of knots”) are used to attach the loops even if equipment is used to attach them. When properly and properly attached, the knot never slips and is easy to untie, even after being pressed with heavy loads.
- Be sure to study the tides in your sailing area, because in some areas, tidal waves have a strong effect on your movement, such as the effect produced by a gust of wind.
- Learn everything about the sailing gear you will use, and even the gear you may never use. This will give you insight into the events that occur while sailing.
- This cannot be overstated before you start, having sailing experience shows that you can stand and run, and take control of a boat and know all its functions.
- Look for books on sailing that have extensive information on the mechanics of sailing in the particular boat you are using.
- Understand how to read clouds and weather. A good site can be found at:
- Your first sailing experience is best done on a small inland lake or a quiet bay. Choose a day with calm land breezes and no bad weather.
- If there is a cruise ship association near you, you can volunteer as a crew for the race. You will learn more in one year of racing than in several years of sailing alone.
Warning
- In sailing, your life depends a lot on the things you do before they have to be done, what first comes to your mind. If you wait until it has to be done, it may be too late or very difficult. Follow your instincts.
- Understand how to use a VHF radio. Call-Mayday-from-a-Marine-Vessel In an emergency, using the radio is the quickest way to call for help. Cell phones will probably work, but VHF is capable of contacting many nearby boats more quickly when you need help or vice versa.
- Going sailing is a serious matter, especially if you are traveling alone. Cold water, currents and other boats can be a serious hazard, and if the sails expand, the boat will take off faster than you expect. Moreover, many boats float so high in the water (“freeboards”) that it is difficult to climb or transport people without assistance. When sailing at night, always use a mountain flashlight and an emergency signal capture device, which makes it easier for the Search and Rescue (SAR) team to see where you are in the water.
- It is highly recommended that you at least have some knowledge of boat terms and read the material thoroughly before trying this sport on your own. Some highly recommend reading: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sailing, Sailing for Dummies, and Sailing the Annapolis Way by Captain Ernie Barta.
- Remember the old adage “It's better to be on the pier hoping to be at sea, than at the sea hoping to be at the charity.” Don't let enthusiasm overpower your good judgment on a day when you don't have to sail. The wind around the pier can be very different when you're on the beach. Many novice sailors (and experienced sailors) have trouble taking risks when there is too much wind to sail safely.
