A Beginner's Guide To Sailing

Cumberland Charter Yachts

Sailing is one of the most popular activities of those who want to have some fun and relaxation. If you are thinking of taking your family on a sailing vacation, it is necessary that you know how to sail.

The main principles of sailing include some specific set of rules and procedures that must be followed for you to successfully sail on different waterways. Anyone who would like to set sail should know the right navigation terms, methods as well as the basic skills and techniques for controlling sailboats. So, start looking for a Whitsunday yacht for hire company and know the basic skills in sailing.

Sail setting - You can set the sail of your boat depending on your specific point of location and the direction of the wind. Sail setting requires listening. Let out the sail until it flutters along the luff of the boat. The luff is the part which is closest to the mast. And when you hear the fluttering stop, pull the sail back in.

Boat balancing - Heeling is the condition when the boat starts to lean on one side because of wind pressure. To overcome heeling and keep the boat balanced, it is necessary to observe the wind and the position of your sails. To fix heeling you need to put as much weight as you can on the opposite side of the boat. The crew may sit on the side deck to resist heeling.

Fore and aft trim - It is important that your boat stays well balanced from the two opposite ends. Typically, the bow or the front of the boat is slightly tilted higher than the rear side called the stern. The body weight distribution of the crew on board is necessary in keeping the boat balanced. If you think that the boat is lugging in the water which usually happens when the stern is too low, place more weight to the middle or towards the front side of the boat. But, if you notice that the bow is submerged in the water move towards the back of the boat.

Centerboard positioning - The centerboard is either made of wood, metal or fiber, depending on the composition of your boat. The centerboardis a adjustable fin found under the hull or the watertight structure which gives buoyancy for any boat. By moving the centerboard according to your chosen destination, you'll be able to deal with any drift.

Tacking - Getting from one point to another is not always a straight course. This is especially true when you are traveling directly to the wind. You need to plan a route in order to get to the point of destination in the shortest time possible which is generally accomplished through a type of maneuver called tacking. It is done by steering or maneuvering the boat in a zigzag and upwind direction.

Now that you know some of the important skills in sailing, it is time to finally go sailing in Whitsundays,