How a Sail Works: The Basics of Sailing Physics for Beginners
A plain-English explanation of how a sail generates power, why boats can sail toward the wind, and how lift and drag drive a sailboat forward.
Sail boats, rigging, points of sail
A plain-English explanation of how a sail generates power, why boats can sail toward the wind, and how lift and drag drive a sailboat forward.
A friendly guide to your first steps in sailing, covering what to learn first, what gear you need, and how to build confidence safely on the water.
Learn the basics of mooring and berthing a sailboat, from preparing lines and fenders to approaching a berth safely and handling wind and current.
Learn the essential parts of a sailboat, from hull and keel to mast, boom and rigging, with clear explanations of what each component does on the water.
Learn the points of sail, from close-hauled to running, and understand how a sailboat's angle to the wind changes the way you set and trim your sails.
Learn what reefing is, the signs that tell you it is time to reef, and a clear step-by-step method for reducing sail safely as the wind builds.
A clear introduction to sailboat rigging, covering standing and running rigging, common rig types, and how to prepare your boat to sail safely.
Master the basics of sail trim, from reading telltales to easing and sheeting in, so your sailboat moves faster, points higher and handles with ease.
Compare sailing upwind and downwind, from sail trim and boat feel to safety and technique, so you can handle both with confidence in any conditions.
Understand the difference between tacking and gybing, when to use each manoeuvre, and step-by-step how to turn a sailboat safely through the wind.