Learning to Sail

This is a resource post to help new sailors understand more while they are out on the water. An Introduction to US Sailing Association is here. It is a little dated but has the principles have not changed.

Learn to Sail- great videos from US Sailing Association and a Primer on Sailing See here for a list of many 1 minute videos

Points of Sail  - learn the language. Depending where the wind is coming from with respect to the boat, a specific name is used. - Source: US Sailing The Ultimate Source in Sailing Education

Knots used on a sail boat

Demonstrated on small boats these videos give you an idea of what to do when tacking and jibing. Both Videos are from US Sailing.
Tacking - You are tacking when zig-zagging back and forth to sail upwind.
Jibing downwind (heads down). You Jibe when the wind is at your back and you want to make a turn.
The audio explains the call and response between the helms person (person steering) and the crew (person moving the lines and sails).

They also have a self learning page on definitions. When you hear the words, port, starboard, bow, stern, leeward, windward it's great for new sailors to know in advance what the term means.


Man Overboard Drill- In case it happens...