![]() The tiller is a horizontal lever arm that turns the rudder (steers the boat), and is either by itself or is attached to the wheel, which is what you use to steer the boat. The horizontal pole that comes off the bottom part of the mast is called the boom (which is also the sound it makes when it hits you in your head… be careful of this one!). Some boats have more than one mast, but sailboats always have at least one. If you only have one big sail, there will only be one mast. The mast is the vertical pole the supports the sail. That seems simple, right? So let’s keep going. ![]() The left of the boat is the port side (think left and port both having four letters), with the right side being the starboard side. The very front of the boat is the bow, with the aft part of your boat called the stern. When you get on your boat, and are facing towards the front of the boat, that would be forward, with everything behind you being aft. ![]() Let’s start with the simple terminology first. This article will discuss the basic terminology (with important words defined in bold), and try to explain as much as you need to know about the basic parts of your sailboat. It might also be helpful to bring a sailing buddy when you head out, to assist with docking, hoisting the sails, or just giving a second opinion in case something should occur.īefore heading out on the water, make sure and inspect as much of your boat as you can: understand where the lines (ropes) are going, how the sails are hoisted (lifted) and lowered, and where the safe places to walk or sit will be once you are out on the water. These are all useful and necessary items to have stocked on your boat: some are required by the Coast Guard, and some are just common sense. Life raft of some sort (depending on where you are sailing, and the size of your vessel) Navigation lights (required at night, or if visibility is reduced)Įxtra line (mooring or various other uses)įenders (Plastic hard ‘balloons’ that keep your boat from bumping on the dock)ĭitch kit (full of life saving necessities in case you have to abandon ship) Visual distress signals (flares or flashlight at night) This could include items such as:īucket (can be used to bail water, clean off the boat, or as a restroom if need be) Make a checklist for necessary equipment you will want to bring with you on the boat (or even things that are US Coast Guard required). Better to be over prepared than under prepared. Always have a jacket, hat, sunscreen, long pants and or shorts, shoes, and bring lots of water and snacks. Even if it’s hot out, while out on the water there is nothing to shield the wind, so it might seem colder than on land. It also can be quite boring to head out on the water if there is no wind, as you will be forced to motor the entire time.ĭress for the weather, but be sure and bring lots of layers. If there is a storm headed your way, or in the direction you want to go, it might be prudent to wait a few days until calmer weather is in the forecast. Make sure and check the weather before heading out. There are also free classes you can take online, which can better prepare you in learning the basics of sailing. You can find the local sailing school where you can take one on one sailing lessons, or even take an instructor out on your boat to show you the ropes, and how to safely sail. ![]() More than likely your boat will also have a motor (for times when there is no wind), but we will mainly focus on the actual process of sailing, and how that can be achieved.īefore you head out on your own boat (or before you go to purchase a boat), search online and find the nearest sailing school or yacht club. It might seem difficult, but it is really very simple, provided you take the time to understand how the boat utilizes the power of the wind. Sailing is the art of taking a boat, turning off the motor, and harnessing the power of the wind to make the boat go where you want it to go. But before you head out on the water, you can increase your knowledge by reading up on sailing, which will further help to keep you safe while on your boat. Besides just learning how to sail a boat, the terminology of boating is completely different, and most of what needs to be learned can only be acquired by doing, meaning practice is required. Learning to sail can seem like a daunting process.
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