Sail trim refers to the various means by which the sails are configuration to harness power from the wind. Sheeting Angle As discussed earlier in the section on wind forces, the primary variable used to control the sails is the Read more…
The best way to deal with strong winds is to avoid sailing when winds are dangerously strong, as discussed earlier. However, if you do find yourself in high winds, you will need to reduce sail area to prevent the boat Read more…
On a cruiser, the sails are typically down at the dock and they stay down until the boat is at sea. Of course, if you have no motor, the sails must be used to cast off, but we’ll discuss that Read more…
Motors and Propellers A motor drives a boat by turning a propeller which displaces and redirects water underneath the boat. Much like our earlier discussion of wind aerodynamics, this movement of water creates forces that are reacted by the boat, Read more…
The man overboard drill is perhaps the most important skill you should know as a sailor. What’s the second most important skill? Teaching your crew the man overboard drill so that if you should fall overboard, they can get you Read more…
A winch is a spool-shaped device used to aid in bringing in the sheets on larger boats. The sheet is wrapped around the winch, which is cranked using a detachable handle connected to the top. The winch is made to Read more…
Unfortunately, helming a sailboat requires constant attention. Some mechanical or electronic autopilot devices exist, but these are typically either expensive or of limited usefulness. Fortunately, there is an option for when the captain must leave the helm and there is Read more…
If you do end up in irons, you can simply wait until the wind and current pushes you one way or the other and you’re able to fill your sails again. You can also speed things along by turning the Read more…
Towing a Dinghy The tow line should be adjusted so that both the towing boat and the dinghy reach the crest of successive waves at the same time. When maneuvering in close quarters or backing, the dinghy can be secured Read more…
Anchoring a boat is a bit more precarious than tying up to a mooring. If you don’t know what’s on the seafloor, it’s easy to get your anchor stuck, or fouled. It can also be illegal to anchor near coral Read more…