SAILING COURSE (02-demo)


Sailing Course / Module 2 / Basics of Sailing

Introduction and Learning Objectives


This module introduces the basics of sailing theory and expands on the terminology learned in Module 1.

SAILING  -  the sport or activity of using boats with sails.

When you learn to drive a car you do not need to know how the engine works, you just know that when you turn the key it starts and requires fuel to run. Sailing, by comparison, requires the active participation of the crew to harness the wind's energy, moving the vessel forwards.

Understanding how a sailing vessel moves forward when the wind is coming from behind is easy, however, it’s hard for many to understand how a vessel can make progress across or towards the wind. The forces of the wind on the sails (aerodynamics) and the water on the underwater parts of the vessel (hydrodynamics) combine to propel the vessel through the water. To clearly understand this and to master the art of sailing we must first know the vessel.


There are many different types of vessels for sailing, differentiated by three distinctive characteristics:

    • Hull Type - for example, monohull, catamaran, or trimaran.
    • Keel Type - for example, fin keel, bilge keel, daggerboard, or centerboard.
    • Mast Configuration and Sails - for example, sloop, ketch, schooner, yawl, or cat.

Don’t worry, Schooner or later, you’ll learn to sail!


OBJECTIVE

In this module you can expect to learn:

  • 3 basic types of sailing vessel hulls,
  • 8 different keel types and their characteristics,
  • 6 common mast and sail configurations used to characterise sailing vessels.

You will also:

  • have a good understanding of the parts of a vessel and be able to name them.
  • know that the rigging of a vessel is divided into standing rigging which supports the mast, and the running rigging which controls the sails.
  • know the main characteristics of the 4 main types of sails.
  • understand the importance of how the sails and keel interact with the wind to move the vessel through the water. 
  • clearly understand the two most important manoeuvres used in sailing - tacking and gybing.

Basic sailing theory is important to know and clearly understand. This ensures the safety of life at sea!