# best app for beginners

Learn to Sail in the App

Learn to Sail, Engage with AI Chat, Access Nautical Glossary, Knot-Tying Handbook, and More by Downloading the App!

Apple Store

Google Play

Point your camera
to download the app

About Yapp Sailing Course

Learn to Sail with Yapp Sailing Course! Our interactive lessons offer an innovative learning experience. With our user-friendly mobile app, you can Learn to Sail, engage with AI Chat, explore Nautical Handbooks, and more! Download the app now to make your Learn to Sail experience both enlightening and enjoyable!

Best for Beginners

Fun and Engaging

Rewarding and Enjoyable

Start to Learn to Sail Today

Beginner-Friendly

Our app's intuitive interface and step-by-step guidance make it easy for beginners.

Interactive Learning

Dive into engaging lessons with clear illustrations that bring sailing concepts to life.

Bite-Sized Lessons

Enjoy flexible learning at your own pace, fitting sailing into your schedule.

Enriching Experience

Immerse yourself in enlightening learning, gaining confidence and a love for sailing.

Comprehensive Resources

Access nautical glossary and handbooks for deeper understanding.

Engage AI Chat

Pose your questions and get instant answers, never feeling lost in your learning journey.

Your Learn to Sail App

Ready to dive in? Learn to Sail has never been this interactive and accessible. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your skills, our comprehensive course with engaging activities is your gateway to practical onboard experience. Start Learn to Sail with Yapp Sailing Course!

Easy to Learn

Free Sailing Course

Interactive Activities

Our User Reviews

Randy Christensen

This app covers the basics that everyone on a sailboat should know

Jeniffer Terry

Love this app, easy to use and exellent display/interface

Michael Syarhei

Exсellent app! I'm eager to finish the course, many thanks

Cavad Zaur

It is incredible and very useful. I don't live close to the sea, so this is a way for me to gain knowledge at home

Nicholas Clemen

This app is awesome. It is helping me so much on learning how to sail

Michael Heidgerken

The course is great

Wan Shahrir

Exellent. Highly suitable and recommended for anyone interested to become a boat crew member

Jack Psaila

Easy to understand and up-to-date information

Bernard Janek

I lovee lovee loveee this app, it is such a fun way of learning, and so much better than books. Thank you!

Mike Hendricks

Useful basic introduction of all the areas of competence that crewman will continue to learn about

Climbing Walls

Best ever I learn a lot, and very fun to learn for this app

Aubrey Lotriet

Easy, good quality teaching app

Darron Gaddis

This is an amaizing course. I would recommend this as a good starting point for those interested in getting into the world of sailing

Gerda van Wyk

Very informative, easy to follow and lots of information

Glen Walker

Great learning source

Steven Pettyjohn

Very rewarding experience

Learn to Sail with Ease

Your Journey to Sailing Mastery Begins Here. Learn at Your Own Pace and Gain a Strong Foundation Before Setting Foot on a Sailboat.

Apple Store

Google Play

Point your camera to download the app

Learning to Sail has Never Been Easier

Engaging Activities with Extremely Clear Illustrations Make Your Sailing Learning Lively

Lessons Averaging One Minute Only

Learn Types of Sailboats

One of the key differences among sailboats is the number (and placement) of masts, and the types of sails they use. There are: ‘Catboats’, which feature a single sail on a single mast placed at the very front of the boat; ‘Sloops’, with one mast in the middle of the boat and two sails—one behind the mast (mainsail) and one in front of the mast (headsail); ‘Cutters’, which are similar to sloops, but feature at least two (often three) headsails; ‘Ketches’, which have two masts, with the shorter mast positioned in the rear of the boat (aft-mast); and ‘Schooners’, which have at least two (often three) masts, with the shorter mast positioned at the front of the boat (fore-mast).

Learn Sailing Terminology

Common terms to start with are: 'Bow' for the front of the boat; 'Stern' for the back of the boat; 'Port' for the left side of the boat; 'Starboard' for the right side of the boat; 'Boom' for the horizontal pole attached to the mast; 'Cockpit' for the boat-and-sail control area; 'Keel' for the central lengthwise structure with the weighted fin attached to it; 'Beam' for the width of the boat at its widest point; 'Helm' for the steering wheel; 'Rudder' for the pivoted fin used to steer the boat; 'Deck' for the walkable area; 'Pulpit' for the railing at the bow and stern of the boat; 'Lifeline' for the protective wire running around the edge of the boat; 'Coachroof' for the part of the cabin raised above the deck; and, of course, 'Lines' for all ropes on the sailboat.

Learn Lines (Ropes) in Sailing

A 'halyard' is a line used to raise and lower the sail. A 'sheet' is a line that controls the trim of the sail, meaning tensioning the sail closer to the boat or releasing it further. The 'main sheet' specifically adjusts the mainsail, which is located behind the mast. The two 'jib sheets', one on each side of the boat, are used to adjust the headsail in front of the mast, which is called the 'jib'. The 'topping lift' is the line used to secure the boom from falling when the mainsail is not in use, so it is important to tighten the ‘topping lift’ before releasing the ‘main halyard’ to prevent injuries. If the boat has ‘roller-furling’ sails, meaning that the sail can be folded into a roll, you'll also find the 'furling' lines to furl in (fold up) the sail.

Learn the Points of Sail

The 'points of sail' refer to the boat's position relative to the wind flow. When facing directly into the wind, a position called 'In irons', the sails will flutter and the boat will not move forward. 'Close reach’ is the point when the boat is sailing closely against the wind (upwind), with the sails pulled in tight. 'Beam reach' refers to sailing perpendicular to the wind, with the sails about halfway out. 'Broad reach' is when the wind is coming from behind at an angle, with the sails about two-thirds out. Finally, 'Running' is sailing close to the same direction as the wind flow (downwind), with the sails all the way out. The 'Dead run,' with the wind coming directly from behind the boat, is not the safest for beginners, as the mainsail can unexpectedly change sides, causing a potential accident.

Learn Safety in Sailing

Wear a life jacket at all times when sailing; it is as important as wearing a seatbelt in a car. Always hold onto something whenever you stand or move. When working with lines (ropes), remove rings or necklaces (as well as long hair or scarves), never wrap the ropes around your hands, and do not stand on them to avoid your feet getting tangled. When maneuvering, avoid standing in the area of a sails movement, as they can suddenly change sides, potentially throwing an untrained person overboard. Familiarize yourself with man-overboard procedures and the use of safety gear, including signal flares, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits, and get to know the basic rules of the road.

Learn the Rules of the Road

Sailboats generally have the right of way over powerboats. Since sea traffic typically follows the right-hand rule, vessels should pass each other with another boat on their port (left) side whenever possible. When overtaking, maintain a safe distance of at least three widths of a larger vessel to avoid collisions. Boats must always yield to large vessels, such as commercial ships, that are restricted in their ability to maneuver. Maintain a safe speed and proper lookout at all times. Additionally, familiarize yourself with navigation buoys, which indicate safe water and potential hazards, as well as navigation lights, which indicate the position and direction of another vessel in poor visibility conditions.

Learn to Sail with Yapp Sailing Course

Whether you're a novice or looking to enhance your skills, our free mobile app with interactive lessons has you covered. Dive into engaging modules covering yacht structure, nautical terminology, safety regulations, basic ropework, rules of the road, points of sail, and more! Access the extensive nautical glossary, explore the knot-tying handbook, engage with the AI chat, and learn to sail with ease. With our bite-sized lessons, you'll progress at your own pace and gain the confidence needed to become a sailor. Learn to sail with Yapp Sailing Course, download the app now and set sail on your sailing adventure!