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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to sailing

Sailing involves an intimate knowledge of your boat, how the sails work and also of the weather to name only three of a myriad of things needed just to get a boat from one side of the harbor to the other. The use of the rudder is elementary: turning your helm to the left pushes the rudder right and your boat moves right.

How sailing works

When the wind fills a set of sails, it exerts a force on the sheets, or ropes, that are holding the sail to the mast and spars. The sheets transfer the force ultimately to the mast that in effect pulls or pushes the boat along. If the boat was not in the water it would be pulled over, but the water and buoyancy of the boat provide a resistance to this, and the force is translated in movement of the boat through the water.

Sailing terms and expressions

luffing up, or heading up as it is alternatively called, relates to the boat being steered so that the wind is almost straight on. If the wind is directly ahead, or close to it, the sails will ‘luff’, or flap about, and the sails have to be trimmed to catch what wind there is. Bearing away, this is when you are steering so that the wind is almost directly behind you, and you have to ease off the sails and let them out from the center of the boat. Tacking is when you move the bow across the wind so that it is coming to the other side of the boat.

Light air sailing

Light air areas are sailing areas that average 10 knots of wind or less. Moreover, winds over 15 knots will rarely be experienced either due to lack of wind or lack of desire to sail when stronger winds are present. When sailing in light air, a primary consideration is assuring we have a boat that can move at a comfortable turn of speed and maintain maneuverability in the normal light air condition. While we never sacrifice safety, light air means reducing some stability (compared to an ocean going vessel) to gain performance.

Sailing for the beginner

One of the great things about sailing is that it is so easy to get started. An enthusiastic amateur can soon pick up the basics in a few hours, but it will always offer a challenge which you will never tire of through a lifetime on the water. Dinghy sailing is an ideal introduction to the sport. It has enjoyed an explosion in popularity over recent years and the opportunities to learn via this method are ever increasing, whether at a lake, at sea, a marina or water sports centre.

CONCLUSION

Sailing is an activity that anyone can enjoy and getting out on the water is a lot easier than you might think! If you’re interested in taking up sailing, or perhaps getting back into it after a few years away. Check out the many resources offered.