Lesson Notes

The introductory course is designed to show you all the basics of sailing and is an inexpensive way to check out the sport. It's a great day out and an affordable way not only to go for a sail but to learn how to sail and experience the freedom associated with sailing.

Please double click the thumbnails below to enlarge prior to printing.

• The images below can be enlarged and printed out prior to our lessons.
• In the most part, they are generic to all sailing boats.

General Definitions

Parts of the boat

Main points:

1. Our yachts have 1 mast and 2 sails. The front sail is called the headsail, jib or genoa.
2. The back sail is called the Mainsail.
3. These 2 sails are controlled by sheets (jargon for ropes)
4. The front of the boat is the bow.
5. The back of the boat is the stern.
6. The left side facing towards the bow is PORT( There is only a little PORT LEFT in the bottle)
7. The Right side facing towards the bow is STARBOARD

Points of Sailing

Telltales

Main Points: Every sailing consideration is in relation to the wind

• YOU CANNOT SAIL DIRECTLY INTO THE WIND.
• YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH THE WIND IN ORDER TO MOVE.
• THE WIND DIRECTION IS ALWAYS CHANGING DIRECTION, SO YOU HAVE TO ADJUST THE YACHT AND OR SAIL ANGLE TO THE WIND.

• On average you can only sail at 45 degrees to the wind.
• Sometimes you need to 'zig zag' into the wind in order to get from one point to another.

• There are 6 standard points of sailing: Click on the image above left

1. Close hauled to windward( sailing to windward, 'Beating' to windward)
2. Close Reaching
3. Beam Reaching
4. Broad Reaching
5. Quarted Running
6. Running Dead or Square

Tacking

Main Points:

• If the wind is arriving at the boat on the Right / STARBOARD side, then the boat is on STARBOARD TACK
• If the wind is arriving at the boat on the left / PORT side, then the boat is on PORT TACK

1. A TACK IS A CHANGE OF DIRECTION WHEN THE BOW OF THE BOAT FACES INTO THE WIND.
2. ANOTHER NAME FOR TACKING IS 'GOING ABOUT'

Gybing

Main Points:

1. A GYBE is a change of direction when the bow is facing downwind, the same direction the wind is moving. The process is called GYBING.

Rules

Main Points:

• There are rules of the water that must be adhered.

1. Most rules relate to the wind direction.
2. Generally boats on STARBOARD TACK have right of way
3. Skippers / boats must avoid a collision at all costs.
4. If sailing socially always give way to yachts racing.
5. Always give way to commercial craft
6. Always give way to row boats
7. Never assume that power boat drivers understand the rules or care!

Knots and their Uses

Main Point:

Most common knots are:

1. Figure of eight or stopper knot
2. Bowline
3. Horned Cleat 'figure of eight'
4. Round turn and two half hitches
5. Reef Knot

HOW TO SAIL - An Overview.

We also provide:

• Corporate Sailing Activities
• Adventure Sailing Tours
• Bed and Breakfast - On Water Overnight Accommodation
• Corporate and Private Yacht Charter
• Learn to Sail Training Programs
• Corporate Hospitality
• Event Management
• Corporate Entertainment
• Staff Rewards and Incentives.
• Promotional Campaigns
• Product Launches
• Function Venues
• Corporate Functions and events