Sailing on a boat is a highly specialized occupation and it requires very special skills to become a sailors. Sailing can only be learned firsthand by experiences on the sea. Sailing requires a diverse and unique skill set like being able to handle the intricacies of a boat, navigational knowledge of the prime factors like wind direction, tide knowledge and the knowledge of clouds. This article assumes that you are a novice sailor and is just learning to sail. This articles attempts to tabulate the very basic outlines of sailing a boat for your help; but, it is always advisable to be guided by an experienced sailor in the first trips of your sailing experience.

Know your boat

Know the different sailing jargons and be thorough with the various technicalities of sailing a boat. Know what a Leeward side of a sailboat is, which part is the starboard and what are the different types of sails and their different utilities. You also have to know different types of knots if you venture to be a seaman. Two such very basic knots are the figure eight knot and the bowline knot. Sailing a boat is essentially using the wind and tide in your favor to propel the boat in the intended direction. You have to learn how to handle navigational tools like the compass and other instruments. You have to be experienced enough to understand the ‘center of lateral resistance’ of a boat and how to attain the ideal distribution of weight on a boat. You have to learn how to handle the rudder and the anchor and how to react during an emergency. The handling of the sails is the most crucial part of steering a boat. Three main types of sails are crucial in guiding a boat and you have to make sure that the sails are working properly. Ensure whether they can be hauled by the lines (ropes) effectively and learn how to synchronize the sails with each other. Learn how to reef the sails (make them smaller) and when to hoist the jib and the mainsail together. Understand the direction at which the wind is blowing by using simple telltales or other more complicated wind reading instruments.

Be safe

The sea is often unpredictable with great waves and sudden changes of tide, appearing out of nowhere. Learn to be safe in the sea. Respect the power of the sea and take necessary safety precautions to avoid any danger. Learn how to keep the direction of the sailboat and how not to let it capsize. An important precaution is to wear a life-jacket always while you are out at sea. This is vital as many experienced sailors have also drowned in the sea. Double check your boating equipment before embarking on the journey. Double check the sails, the motor the radio and the weight distribution on the boat before going out to the sea. Keeping a working motor in the boat is very important as it can be of immense help in case of an emergency return back to the shore. Keep radio facilities to communicate with other boats if necessary.