Learn Step by Step Sailing in the App

Step 1: Understanding the Basics

'Port' is the term for the left side of the boat. It originally referred to the side of the ship that faced the port or dock, as the left side was used for loading and unloading cargo. 'Starboard' is the term for the right side of the boat. It originated from the old term 'steor-board', meaning the 'steering side' of the vessel, since the 'steering oar' was placed on the right side, making it easier to control for right-handed sailors. 'Stern' is the term for the back of the boat, which is also related to the old word 'steor' (steering oar), since the pivoted underwater fin (rudder) is located at the back of the vessel. 'Bow' is the term for the front of the boat. It originated from the old word 'bheug', meaning to bend, as in something bent or arched.

Step 2: Understanding Points of Sail

The boat is on a 'port tack' when the wind is coming over the port (left) side, and the boat is on a 'starboard tack' when the wind is coming over the starboard (right) side. No matter which way the wind blows, the boat can be positioned at these basic points of sail: ‘In irons’ is when the boat is facing directly into the wind and can’t move forward as the sails flutter; ‘Close reach’ is sailing close against the wind flow (upwind) with the sails pulled in tight; ‘Beam reach’ is sailing perpendicular to the wind with the sails halfway out; ‘Broad reach’ is sailing with the wind from behind at an angle with the sails 2/3rds out; ‘Running’ is sailing close to the same direction as the wind (downwind) with the sails all the way out; ‘Dead run’ is not the safest point, as the sails could suddenly change sides, causing an accident.

Step 3: Understanding Lines (Ropes)

All ropes on a sailing vessel are referred to as ‘lines’. The sails pull the lines away from you, and you control the sails position by tensioning or releasing the appropriate line; these adjustments are called ‘sail trim’. A ‘halyard’ is the line used to raise and lower the sail, while the ‘sheet’ is the line used to trim the sail, meaning tightening it closer or releasing it further. All lines run through the big vertical pole called the ‘mast’. The sail behind the mast is called the ‘mainsail’, which is raised by the ‘main-halyard’ and controlled by the ‘main-sheet’. The sail in front of the mast is called the ‘jib’, and it is controlled by two ‘jib-sheets’, one on each side of the boat. Another pole that is horizontally attached to the mast is called the ‘boom’. The far end of the boom is secured with a line called a ‘topping lift’, which prevents the boom from falling when the mainsail, which is attached to the boom, is not in use.

Step 4: Understanding Safety Essentials

Always wear a life jacket when on the water, it is as important as wearing a seatbelt in a car. Shoes should completely cover your feet to prevent slipping off and to avoid injuries to your toes from the steel parts of the boat. Remember the ‘three points of contact’ rule, which means you should always hold onto something when standing or moving, as the boat can unexpectedly swing in any direction. When working with lines, remove rings, necklaces, and long hair. Never wrap the lines around your hand and avoid standing on them to prevent your feet from getting tangled. Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of onboard safety gear, including fire extinguishers, safety harnesses, and throwable flotation devices, and get to know the man-overboard and other emergency procedures.

Step 5: Understanding Rules of the Road

The term ‘stand-on’ means the vessel has the right of way. The ‘give-way’ vessel must reduce speed and change course to pass behind the stand-on vessel. Basic principles state that powerboats yield to sailboats, sailboats on a port tack yield to those on a starboard tack, and overtaking vessels always give way to those being overtaken. Boats must also always give way to large ships, and since sea traffic is right-handed, you should pass an oncoming vessel on your port (left) side. Additionally, familiarize yourself with navigation buoys, which act like traffic signs, and navigation lights, which are essential in poor visibility conditions. At sea, it doesn’t matter who broke the rule or who failed to avoid the collision.

If you're becoming interested in sailing or planning to sail as a passenger, download our free mobile app and start learning step-by-step sailing today! Dive into yacht structure, nautical terminology, safety regulations, basic ropework, rules of the road, and much more—all in an interactive format found exclusively in the Yapp Sailing Course!