Are you a sea enthusiast and would love to try sailing but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we are here to help! In this article, we will go over the main terms to know to fully understand sailing. On the program: tacks, navigation points, vocabulary related to sails and ropes, and much more!
Tacks: a question of tacks and sides
The tack is the first thing you need to understand when it comes to sailing. The tack is the side of the boat that is hit first by the wind, so there are two tacks: port tack and starboard tack. Instead of left or right on board, we will talk rather about “port” (left side) and “starboard” (right side). If you are facing the front of the boat, with the wind coming from your right, you are on starboard tack; if the wind comes from the left, you are on port tack. This will allow you to better understand the orders and advice given by the other crew members.
- Port: left side of the boat
- Starboard: right side of the boat
- Tack: the side of the boat first hit by the wind (port tack, starboard tack)
Navigation points and sail trim
The sailing point of a sailboat is its position in relation to the wind. It is important to know and respect this factor to adapt your sails and obtain optimal navigation. The different navigation points are:
- Lof (or course): sailing as close to the wind as possible (around 45°).
- Broad reach: sailing with the wind abeam (wind at 90° to the boat).
- Beam reach: sailing with the wind slightly behind (120°-135°).
- Running: sailing downwind.
When you change course or sail at a different angle to the wind, you need to adjust your sails to keep them efficient. More generally, when you are facing the wind (luffing), your sails should be trimmed (pulled towards the center of the boat); when you have the wind abeam (broad reach) or slightly behind (beam reach), they will be more eased out (loosened).
The different sails and their uses
The sails of a boat are classified into two main categories:
- Foresails: jib (small), genoa (large) and staysail (intermediate). They allow the boat to be steered and to give it speed.
- Running sails: spinnaker (large parachute-shaped sail) and gennaker (a mix between genoa and spinnaker). They are used to increase the sail area when the wind is light or when it comes from behind the boat.
The ropes: much more than just “ropes”
On a boat, it is important to know the different ropes to ensure the safety and control of your boat. Here are the main ropes to know:
- Halyards: ropes for hoisting and adjusting the sails in height.
- Sheets: ropes for adjusting the sails in length (to trim or ease them).
- Mooring lines: ropes for attaching the boat to the dock, to a buoy or to another boat.
Now it’s your turn!
Now that you know the basics of sailing, all you have to do is put your knowledge into practice. Don’t hesitate to take a sailing course to improve your skills and meet other enthusiasts. Remember that safety should always be your priority and that learning to sail is a gradual process, so be patient and enjoy every moment spent on the water!