Beginners Guide to Sail Boating

There are a number of water activities availableCorrectly."
to the senior community. These include suchC: Course made good - Turning the boat using the
interests as fishing, swimming, and kayaking. But,tiller or wheel and sail based on the winds to go in
if these aquatic pursuits are not for you, therethe desired direction. This takes practice.
are still other hobbies to try, and sailing is one ofT: Trim - This is adjusting the fore and aft
them.balance of the boat by using the movable ballast
There are different types of sailboats:(the crew).
Small Sailboats: These are small fiberglass boatsB: Balance - Port and starboard balance. The idea
that have wood or aluminum spars. They usuallyis to adjust the weight "windward" or "leeward" to
have two sails; a mini sail and a jib. Generally usedkeep the boat from leaning (heeling) too far port
for racing, these boats tend to be of lighteror starboard.
weight.S: Sail trim - The front edge of the sail should be
Daysailers: These are wider boats at the beamexactly in line with the wind. The sail should not
and have a lot more space on them, but they areflap, but should be pulled in until it fills with the
very slow.wind.
Cruising Sailboats: These boats are wider like theC: Centerboard - Allows for the boat to move
daysailer, but the boats are longer, at leastupwind and prevents lateral motion.
twenty five feet. Commonly used for theYou have to know the way the wind is blowing
pleasure of sailing on the water, this type ofand be able to adjust your sail precisely to make
watercraft is perfect for the Columbia senior livingthe craft stay on course. If you do not, the wind
community.will take control, sending you off in the wrong
Sailing is not one of those activities that you candirection, and you run the risk of the boat blowing
just go right out on the water and become anover. Once you have achieved some mastery
expert. There are some basic tenets that youover the boat, you will see how the art of sailing
need to know first, known as The Five Essentials,is an invigorating and fun pursuit for retirement
to keep the boat in "trim." They are usuallyliving.
memorized by the mnemonic "Can This Boat Sail