|
A guide to sailing for beginners |
|
|
|
All experienced sailors had the need for a guide to sailing for beginners when they started to venture into the sport of sailing. As in other activities, a beginner's guide to sailing provides the needed head start to enable the novice to set out of the water in confidence.
Aside from sailing schools that provide valuable sailing lessons, there are plenty of resources that beginners can turn to in order to prepare them for their sailing adventures. There are a lot of books and online information available that will acquaint the newbies about the various aspects of sailing.
A wonderful experience in sailing begins with a clear understanding of the basic principles of sailing. These basic principles – or fundamentals – of sailing include getting a firm grasp of the theory of sailing. Before one even sets on the water, it is important that he has a good idea on what makes the boat move and why does it move in specific directions.
Secondly, a beginner needs to get familiar with the various parts of the sailboat. He also needs to learn about the points of sail. Beginners should first learn about the angle of sail and know how to use this in relation with the direction and strength of the wind. Speaking of the wind, a guide to sailing for beginners is not complete without a discussion on the wind. Knowing how to work with the wind is one of the most essential elements to a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.
Books such as Roger Marshall's "Essential Sailing" provides more in-depth instruction for beginners. Marshall's book, for instance, discusses in detail important information on sailing such as the best equipment choices, the correct safety precautions, the proper nautical terminology, and up-to-date traffic laws. The book also offers instruction on navigation, understanding charts and maps, buying your boat, reading flags and buoys, assessing weather patterns, and coping with emergency situations.
Aside from the fundamental principles in sailing, beginners should also be guided about the various rules on sailing. Sailing rules would vary from state to state but there are generally recognized rules and practices that must be observed anywhere. These general rules are embodied in the following points:
● Avoid collision at all times. If you have the right-of-way, but insisting on it will result in an accident, give way.
● Keep clear of other boats when overtaking.
● Sailboats generally have the right of way over powerboats. Please note that this says generally. Refer back to the rule about not insisting on right-of-way.
● Running free gives way to close-hauled.
● Close-hauled - port-tack gives way to starboard tack.
● Running free - port jibe gives way to starboard jibe.
● Running free - windward boat gives way to leeward boat.
● Boat with wind aft gives way.
● All boats on the water between sundown and sunrise are required to carry running lights specifically designed for the size and type of boat being used.
● During fog or low visibility, sailboats must signal their position with a foghorn at least once every minute.
-- If on starboard tack, one blast on the foghorn
-- If on the port tack, two blasts on the foghorn
-- If sailing with the wind abaft the beam on either side, three blasts on the foghorn.
The following links provide more helpful sailing guidance for beginners:
Sail's Best Little Learn to Sail Book Ever by Brad Dellenbaugh
Learning to Sail: All the tools you need to start a lifetime of sailing
Beginner's Guide to Sailing
Tips For Beginning Sailors
Recommended sailing books for beginners
|
