Why Sailing Has Its Own Language Imagine stepping aboard a sailboat for the first time. Within minutes you may hear someone use basic sailing terminology like, “Cast off the stern line,” “Trim the jib,” or “Move to port.” To a beginner, it can sound like another language. Fortunately, sailing terminology is far more logical than it first appears. Once you …
How to Steer a Sailboat: Steering Made Simple
Approximate reading time: 35 minutes Introduction If you’ve ever driven a car, you already know how to steer—at least that’s what many beginners assume. Then you step aboard a sailboat, take hold of the wheel or tiller, and quickly discover that steering a sailboat is a very different experience. A car goes wherever you point the front wheels. A sailboat …
Parts of a Sailboat: Complete Beginner’s Guide
Once you know the names of the major parts, you’ll be ready to explore how they work together to make sailing possible.
Points of Sail: 5 Powerful Lessons for New Sailors
Reading time: 25 minutes Introduction The relationship between the boat and the wind is described by the points of sail. A sailboat cannot simply point in any direction and move forward. Unlike a powerboat, which uses an engine to push through the water, a sailboat depends on the wind. The direction the wind comes from affects almost everything the boat …
Sailing With A Dog: Should I Bring My Dog Sailing?
Sailing with a dog can be a very rewarding and joyful experience. After all, this treasured pet feels more like a member of your family than a loyal and affectionate companion. You’ve probably asked yourself, “Should I bring my dog sailing? How could I ever just leave him behind?” This article will help you decide whether or not having a …
What is Port and Starboard on a sailboat?
Boating beginners always seem to struggle with the terms ‘port’ and ‘starboard’. I always get the question,”What is Port vs Starboard? and Why can’t we just call it the left and right side of the boat?” This common confusion is simple to clear up with a brief explanation of the function and the history of the terms ‘port’ and ‘starboard’. …
Sailing for Beginners: 7 Essential Sailing Tips
So you’ve decided to learn to sail, and as a beginner, you are planning your first time out. There are probably all kinds of questions in your head about how to best prepare for your first time sailing. This article is will give you the best start possible by providing sailing tips on what to expect, some basic rules all …
What Is A Water Ballast Sailboat?
On my own sailboat, I have a water ballast system. I was unsure about the stability and efficacy of this system at first. From my experience, a water ballast sailboat, in place of a lead keel boat, is an incredibly worthwhile and effective option to consider when purchasing a sailboat. What is a water ballast sailboat? A water ballast sailboat …
How to call the Coast Guard on VHF
The Coast Guard is there to help. They have assisted me several times, and each time I’ve come away with a very satisfying feeling that I did the right thing by calling. In this article, you will learn how to contact the Coast Guard on VHF. Generally speaking, when you call the Coast Guard on VHF your need to: Be …
7 Real Reasons Why You Should Own A Sailboat
It’s time to consider a pleasure craft purchase. You’ve earned it. You can justify it. Maybe you’ve been out a few times with friends and the boating bug has bit you. Or possibly you’re an independent soul who would rather take to the waterways instead of the highways in search of adventure. Maybe you’ve always had a thing for sailboats …