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Recreational Sailing Fundamentals
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Tacking
A sailing maneuver used to turn the boat's bow through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other.
Jibing
A sailing maneuver that turns the stern through the wind to change the direction in which the wind blows from one side of the boat to the other.
Points of Sail
The boat's direction relative to the wind direction, including close-hauled, reaching, and running.
Heeling
The lean of a sailboat caused by wind pressure on the sails.
Trimming
Adjusting the position of the sails in relation to the wind to maximize efficiency and speed.
Capsize
When a boat tips over in the water.
Heading
The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.
Hull
The main body of a sailboat, which provides buoyancy.
Rudder
A flat piece, usually made of wood, metal, or plastic, that is used to steer a boat.
Keel
A structural element of a boat that runs longitudinally along the centerline of the hull, the main function of which is to provide stability and reduce the sideways drift of the boat.
Sailing Regatta
A series of boat races.
Beam Reach
A point of sail where the wind is coming directly across the side of the boat, generally considered the fastest point of sail.
Close-Hauled
A point of sail where the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible, with the sails pulled in tight.
Running
A point of sail where the boat is sailing with the wind coming directly from behind.
Broad Reach
A point of sail where the wind is coming over the quarter (rear) of the boat at an angle.
Apparent Wind
The wind experienced by a moving sailing vessel, which is a combination of the true wind and headwind caused by the boat's own forward motion.
True Wind
The wind as it is experienced by an object that is stationary relative to the ground or the surface of the ocean.
No-Go Zone
An area into the wind in which a sailboat cannot produce enough forward thrust to make headway.
Bowline Knot
A type of knot that creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope and is commonly used in sailing.
Cleat
A fitting on which ropes can be secured.
Boom Vang
A device or rigging on a sailboat used to control the boom's angle horizontally and to control sail shape.
Reefing
The act of reducing the area of a sail to lessen the force of the wind on the boat, usually in response to increasing wind speed.
Telltales
Pieces of yarn or fabric attached to sails that help indicate wind direction relative to the boat and effectiveness of the sail trim.
Winch
A mechanical device used to pull in or let out ropes to adjust the tension of sails.
Tiller
A lever used to turn the rudder, which in turn steers the sailboat.
Port Tack
When a sailboat is sailing with the wind coming over its port (left) side, and therefore has the sail(s) on its starboard (right) side.
Starboard Tack
When a sailboat is sailing with the wind coming over its starboard (right) side, and therefore has the sail(s) on its port (left) side.
Dead Run
Sailing with the wind directly behind the boat, a situation in which the mainsail is let all the way out, and the boat is moving directly downwind.
Leeward
The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward.
Windward
The direction from which the wind is coming. Facing towards the wind.
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