Learn About Sailboats and How to Sail
By Tom Lochhaas, About.com Guide
Introduction to Sailboats
Sailboats vary in many ways, from size and shape to number of masts and sails. Learn about different types of sailboats and differences in keels, rudders, and other design aspects that affect how they sail.
- Types of Sailboats and Rigs
- Basic Sailboat Terms
- How to Buy a Sailboat
- Best Websites for Boats for Sale
- Buying a Sailboat - Centerboard vs Fixed Keel
- Buying a Sailboat - Inboard vs Outboard Engines
- Buying a Sailboat - Sloop vs Ketch
- Sailboat Keel Shapes
- Sailboat Rudder Types
- Roller Furling Jibs
- Fixed, Folding, and Feathering Propellers for Sailboats
- Review of the Sunfish
- Review of the Laser
- Review of the Hunter 140 Sailboat
- Review of the Mariner 19 Sailboat
- Review of the West Wight Potter 19 Sailboat
- Review of MacGregor 26M Sailboat
- Apps about Sailboats
Basic Sailing Techniques
There's a lot to know about how to use the boat's sails to keep the boat moving and how to maneuver by tacking and gybing through different points of sail in the wind. But it's not difficult to learn how to handle a sailboat when you take it one step at a time. Learn also about essential sailboat knots, docking, mooring, and anchoring.
- Learn Everything About How to Sail - in 10 Steps
- Learn How to Sail a Small Sailboat - A Full Course
- Basic Sailing Terms
- How to Choose a Sailing School
- Points of Sail and Sail Trim
- Basic Sailing Knots
- How to Raise the Mainsail
- How to Leave the Dock Under Power
- How to Trim the Jib Using Telltales
- How to Tack a Sailboat
- How to Gybe a Sailboat
- How to Use a Mainsheet Traveler
- How to Dock a Sailboat
- How to Moor a Sailboat
- How to Anchor a Sailboat
- How to Use a Boom Vang
- Choosing a Book on Seamanship
- Roller Furling Jibs
- How to Reef the Mainsail
- Apps for Learning to Sail
Safety on the Water
Just as important as knowing how to sail the boat is staying safe on the water. Learn the principles of safety and navigation, including the use of essential safety gear and paying attention to the weather.