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RYA Tactics
The perfect Tactical xmas present for your helm or crew
Personally signed by the author
RYA Tactics by Mark Rushall sheds a new light on the complexities of sailboat racing. No other sport requires the combination of so many elements – preparation, strategy, speed, tuning and most importantly tactics. However, it's good tactics which can so often be that elusive missing skill.
As one of the sports top tacticians and coaches, and 2006 RYA Squad Coach of the Year, Mark's book will help you sail better and improve your results. With easy to follow and logical diagrams, this book breaks new ground in presenting this essential and complex element of our sport.
"Covering almost every conceivable tactical situation, the book is a real tour de force by Rushall….yet comprises one of the easiest to read tactical situation books we have come across." The Daily Sail, 1 May 07
"This book has come about from years of sailing and coaching at the highest level by an extremely analytical person. Mark …. is one of those annoying people who learnt from every sailing / coaching experience and has built an extensive memory bank of tactical scenarios and understanding."
Chips Howarth, Fireball World Champion 2005
Tactics is the most comprehensive and accessible guide to racing yet. Providing an awesome and unique insight of sailboat tactics, it breaks down the race to tell you exactly what to think about, how and when to do it, and most importantly, why you should be doing it! No matter what your level of racing experience, you'll have something to learn from Mark Rushall…."
Georgie Corlett, Editor, Dinghy Sailing Magazine
Start your 2008 season ready prepared and don't go afloat without having read RYA Tactics.
Order your personally signed copy from www.rushall.net or for UK delivery send a cheque for £16 including P&P to:
Mark Rushall Tactics
Watermark Offices, 8 Lumley Gardens, Lumley Road, Emsworth, Hants, PO10 8AG, UK
International orders – please email firstname.lastname@example.com and postage rates will be advised.
Also available from www.rya.org.uk and most leading chandleries and book stores.
Dinghy Sailing
On a Neilson dinghy sailing holiday, everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to enthusiastic improvers and accomplished experts looking for sunshine and the best conditions. Our approach to dinghy sailing tuition, and the type and quantity of equipment varies from club to club, ensuring that whatever your needs we have a holiday to suit your requirements perfectly.
Sailing means many things to different people. Some like to potter around over crystal clear waters while others crave the excitement of zooming across the waves on a high performance skiff.
Whatever your level of experience, the sense of freedom that comes from sailing is hard to beat. We offer the best boats, instructors and sailing areas together with free RYA training courses, enabling you to step aboard and take advantage of our 25 years of sailing experience.
Dinghy Sailing Tuition
We always include RYA tuition and courses in the cost of your holiday, whether you are a first timer aiming for your RYA Level 1 certificate, or an expert working on your performance sailing.
National Sailing Scheme
We work closely with the RYA in developing the National Sailing Scheme. This progressive approach to tuition provides a tried-and-tested way to learn to sail. Holidays shouldn't feel like school, so we endeavour to make everything from your first taster to high performance race techniques, as much fun as possible!
Start Sailing - Level 1
Great for those new to learn to sail holidays, Level 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to dinghy sailing. It is designed to get you on the water using modern, single-handed dinghies and requires no previous experience.
The course covers a wide variety of skills to enable you to sail confidently such as; wind awareness, rigging basics, knots and sailing theory.
Start Sailing is available in all of our centres.
Basic Skills - Level 2
Level 2 aims to fine-tune the skills and boat handling manoeuvres learnt at Level 1. The course sets out the foundations of sailing with the aim of producing competent light wind sailors who are able to sail and make informed decisions in good conditions.
You can expect to learn more advanced techniques in a variety of craft including; rigging according to weather conditions, coming alongside a moored boat, capsize recovery and essential safety background.
Try Finikounda – Great for the progressing beginner. Holiday sailing at it's best!
Seamanship Skills
Moving on from Basic Skills, the main focus of this course is fine-tuning skills already learnt and boat handling manoeuvres, whilst increasing your self-reliance and decision making skills.
Day Sailing
We are able to endorse most sections of this course, enabling competent sailors to confidently plan and execute a safe day cruise, aspects covered include pilotage, interpretation of charts and use of GPS.
Finikounda is the main place to go for day sailing.
Sailing with Spinnakers
Sailing with Spinnakers teaches you how to sail a dinghy rigged with an asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker and some trapezing.
Try Porto Heli for a fantastic destination for a sailing holiday with tuition.
Start Racing
You will learn to race a variety of craft from single handers to performance boats. The aim is to gain a good understanding of the rules and techniques of racing, including the course and starting sequence, boat preparation, tactics and racing rules.
Performance Sailing
This is an advanced course for experienced sailors using high performance craft and covers a range of sessions including rigging, tuning, teamwork, trapezing, hiking, tacking and downwind sailing.
Porto Heli is the ideal place for performance sailing.
Dinghy Sailing Equipment
Advances in design and technology have continued to make dinghy sailing easier and more enjoyable than ever before. We've selected tghe best craft from leading British manufacturers Laser and RS, equipping our clubs with a range of kit to suit local wind and conditions.
Laser Funboats
Stable, safe and fun! Perfect for children. Available in all centres except Dahab
Laser Pico
A perfect beginners' boat with easy-to-use controls. Available in all centres
Laser 1
The classic Olympic class single hander. Exciting sailing. Available in all centres except Vassiliki
Laser 2000
A popular boat for families and friends looking for a stable hull but no shortage of features.
Available in Halkidiki, Sivota, Ortakent, Finikounda and Porto Heli,
Laser 3000
A performance machine ideally suited to teenagers and lighter crews. Fast action with a spinnaker and trapeze. Available in Finikounda
Laser Bahia
A stable and spacious cockpit with space for up to 5 adults, together with a light hull and large gennaker makes a great day sail and cruising boat, with a performance edge.
Available in Lemnos and Lesvos
Laser 4000
Serious fun in the fast lane. A high performance skiff with adjustable racks and a large sail area. With tuition and practice, the 4000 flies. Available in Finikounda and Porto Heli
Laser Stratos
A good size family cruiser, the Stratos is ideal for day sailing, combining stability and performance features.Available in Lemnos, Lesvos, Halkidiki, Finikounda and Porto Heli
Laser Vago XD
Unmatched handling, versatility and exhilarating performance are harnessed by Laser in a unique modern design with high spec sails and trapeze. Available in Lemnos, Lesvos and Dahab
Dart 16
A popular catamaran equally at home pottering around on a day sail or on a trapezing joyride. The Dart 16 is a firm favourite in our centres. Available in all centres
The definitive youth racer, the Optimist has traditionally been the first step on the road to success for competitive young sailors. Available in Porto Heli and Finikounda
RS Feva
A versatile dinghy, introducing several advanced features on a user friendly craft suited to younger sailors.Available in Finikounda, Porto Heli, Lemnos and Lesvos
An easy to sail dinghy that brings the excitement of asymmetric sailing to everybody, including lighter sailors and youngsters. Available in Porto Heli
LDC's modern classic, a hiking asymmetric. The ultimate choice for the ambitious improver.
Available in Porto Heli
Exciting performance with a simple user friendly layout and easy handling.Available in Porto Heli
An exciting high performance skiff with twin trapeze that is remarkably easy for competent sailors to master.Available in Porto Heli and Finikounda
A fast, exciting ride, the 29er is a high performance boat ideally suited to light weight sailors and youth racing.Available in Porto Heli
Children and Sailing Holidays
Hot Shots provides RYA tuition for 8-12 year olds whilst Starfish, Sea Urchins, Surfbusters and Sharksters provide fun for younger children and those less inclined to get out on the water.
Hot Shots
The water based activity club, for those that want it all: sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling and plenty of sunshine, Hot Shots is the place to be.
Our fully qualified instructors help your youngsters master new skills and get first timers confident in no time at all. In-fact all our RYA qualified instructors will help your Hot Shots improve quickly, with the RYA Youth Sailing Awards, available to those who want to prove their skills.
When not out on the water, Hot Shots enjoy loads of land-based activities and making new friends has never been easier.
If your children are particularly interested in dinghy sailing, they will benefit from choosing a resort that specialises in that particular activity, such as Porto Heli
Hot Shots is open to all children ages 8-12 years and is available for a supplement of £80-£150 per week with the second week half price.
Where to go
Hot Shots is avilable in Lemnos, Finikounda, Vassiliki, Porto Heli and Dahab.
When not in our clubs, children under the age of 13 are welcome to windsurf with their parents. Children must be 13 years or over before they can join the adult windsurfing programme.
Flotilla Holidays
Flotilla Holidays - Another day. Another destination.
Explore hidden treasures every day; share your adventures in the evening with fellow sailors.
Life on flotilla is a holiday that just gets better every day.
Flotilla sailing holidays allow you to enjoy the independence of sailing your very own yacht from port to port during the day, but you also get to choose between pleasant evenings in the warm company of your fellow sailors, or spending them peacefully on your own deck.
On arrival
The Neilson Team will be there to greet you on arrival and show you to your yacht. Your lead crew will then join you on board to answer any questions you may have, show you where everything is and just check that everything is ship shape.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is then yours to spend as you wish - enjoy a refreshing drink on deck, get to know some of your fellow sailors, explore the local area or stock up on any additional provisioning you require. You are then fully prepared for the start of your adventure the following day.
A day in the life…
As the morning sun peeps over your bow, your lead crew will join you for a chat about the day ahead, confirming the evening's destination together with some great places to explore and idyllic lunch stops. Then as soon as everything's ready, you're free to slip your lines and set sail.
It's entirely up to you and your crew how you reach your destination. You may want to race there before everybody else or meander there, anchoring for a lunch break and swim in a secluded bay. With the yacht to yourself, the day is yours to enjoy as you please. And if you wish to hook up with other parties on your flotilla they're just a VHF radio call away - as is your lead crew, in case you need any help or advice.
As the afternoon drifts into evening and you glide into port, your lead crew will be waiting ashore to help you into your mooring, catch your lines and point out the location of shower facilities, bars and tavernas at your latest destination.
As the sun sets, you can settle in at one of the local tavernas, swapping stories with your fellow sailors over a bottle of wine and a hearty local meal. Of course, if all that sailing and sightseeing has taken it out of you, you can simply stay on your yacht and cook a meal in your own galley. That's the beauty of flotilla holidays.
Your Yachting Experience
Our flotilla holidays in Greece and Croatia flotilla holidays require varying levels of confidence and experience due to the different routes and wind conditions in each area. It is important you select the right area for your party to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
The minimum experience we require on a flotilla holiday is that at least two people aboard each yacht are aged 18 years or over and must have had several day's active experience in charge of a yacht.
If this level of experience cannot be satisfied a Stay and Sail holiday, coupled with an Introduction to Yachting or Brush Up training course should be completed
Skippered Charter
If you want to regain your confidence afloat or just share the beginning of your flotilla with a like-minded sailor then you can pre book a member of the Neilson yacht team to join you on a skippered charter. They will spend the day with you, sailing from one place to another before retiring to the lead boat in the evening, allowing your party the privacy to enjoy some time alone. This option is available for one to three days for a supplement of £100 per yacht per day.
Please note, this option is not suitable for beginners who should complete an Introduction to Yachting course.
Bareboat Charter
Our Bareboat sailing holidays gives more experienced sailors the freedom to sail where, when and however they please. No itinerary, no set routes and no one to bother you. Bareboat holidays are the ultimate getaway.
Plot your own route around the many picturesque bays, lively little harbour towns and fishing villages scattered about the coastlines of our huge sailing areas. Spend as long as you like at any stop, return to your favourite places over and over, or keep on the move to discover something new around every point.
Of course, since you're with Neilson you'll still have the benefit of our expertise. Before you depart, our bareboat co-ordinator will go through the route you've planned, pointing out the highlights of your journey. And it's always worth picking their brains, because they often have a nugget of advice that could really make your holiday. And naturally, they'll also call or text you each morning to pass on weather conditions and check that everything on the yacht is as it should be.
All of our Bareboat holidays are provided with the following:
• Full tanks of diesel, water and gas
• Marine insurance
• Flights and transfers
• Comprehensive tools and spares
• A quick fix manual for everyday repair and maintenance
• Handheld GPS
• Additional charts and pilot book
• Mobile phone and charger
• Extra warps
• Starter pack
• No damage waiver or deposit to pay
Bareboat Holidays support Includes:
• A dedicated bareboat co-ordinator
• A full skipper and engineer's briefing
• Details of all flotilla routes, staff and contact numbers
Experience Levels
When booking bareboat holidaywe ask that at least two people aboard are aged 18 years or over and have plenty of sailing knowledge and experience, having been in charge of a sailing vessel for several cruises, possibly on previous flotilla holidays. Both must be comfortable sailing in a range of conditions. If this level of experience cannot be satisfied, a flotilla holiday may be more appropriate.
Sail Training Courses
Yacht Training Courses
It's not as hard as you might imagine to pick up the skills to navigate a yacht around the Mediterranean coastline. With our tried and tested courses and fantastic yacht trainers, you will be sailing with confidence in no time at all. We offer a number of courses to suit all ages and abilities.
Introduction to Yachting - four days
A course designed to be fun but informative, equipping complete beginners with the knowledge and skills necessary to skipper their own yacht on flotilla.
The syllabus we follow is based on the RYA Keelboat Level 2 certificate. After having completed the course, followed by a second week on flotilla, most new sailors will be awarded their RYA Level 2 certificate.
The skills needed can be learnt in four days with tuition from our Royal Yachting Association qualified instructors. Whilst covering the necessary manoeuvres you will be hopping from pontoon to quayside to bay to harbour. Occasionally stopping for picnics, taverna lunches or swimming, there will be time to digest all that you are learning at a relaxed but steady pace.
A maximum of five guests will train per yacht with an instructor.
At the end of your course you'll feel confident and competent enough to skipper your own yacht within a flotilla environment. Your lead crew will be aware of your training and will be on hand to offer their full support during your week afloat.
Brush-Up Course - two days
Ideal for those with a basic or fading knowledge of sailing, or experienced dinghy sailors looking to make the step to big boat sailing. This course is tailored around your existing experience and looks to build your ability to sail confidently once more. You will spend two days with one of our RYA instructors who will assist you in practising and reviewing the skills you wish to improve.
The Brush-Up course can also be suitable for confident, advanced dinghy sailors who sail regularly at a high level. This course enables you to transfer your well-practised dinghy skills onto a larger class of boat. Beginner or intermediate dinghy sailors should book the Introduction to Yachting course.
Private Courses - Ideal for Families
Our Private Introduction to Yachting and Brush-Up courses are designed for groups or families who wish to learn together, on the same yacht, up to a maximum of five people. The course content is the same as detailed previously but you are guaranteed to be learning as one group without having to share your training yacht with another party.
The added advantage of a private course is that we can welcome 13 to 15 year olds aboard when accompanied by a parent. Younger sailors will relish the opportunity to learn with their family as a forerunner to the flotilla week of their holiday.
Private courses are priced per yacht at four times the cost of the individual course.
One Week Learn to Sail
If you can only get away on holiday for one week or spending two weeks learning to sail is not an option for you, then our One week Learn to Sail holiday is a perfect solution - half the week will be spent at one of our yacht bases living on your yacht whilst learning to sail on the Introduction to Yachting course. For the second part of the week, you will join your fellow sailors on flotilla.
Sailing Holidays
Sailing Holidays are great for those who like to remain active on their vacation.
Here you will find articles on a variety of different sailing techniques
Plans to drop cats as a youth class
The RYA has recently made submissions to ISAF to remove the catamaran as a youth boat for 2009, and to remove the catamaran as an Olympic boat for 2012.
These submissions by the RYA were made without any consultation with the sailing community. We request that the submissions are withdrawn before the ISAF conference in early November and replaced by alternative submissions which support the use of catamarans both in future Olympics (2012 and beyond) and for youth training.
Amazingly the ISAF Council voted the Multihull out after the Events Committee had recommended that the cats stay in.
starter Boat for 7 year old
My sister wants to get her seven year old into sailing, the Oppi would seem to be the obvious choice but waht about some of the newer designs like Tera, Taz, Open etc ?
Dinghy Sailing in the Midlands
OK a bit cold this time of year , but I am looking for ideaas for presents for my partner.
Sailing Holidays
Ok help required, girl friend just arrived home for pile of holiday brochures. Usual girlie things of lying on the beach. I really want to do a sailing holiday, try out some new boats etc, can anyone help with experiences of Sunsail type holidays ?
New to Dinghy Sailing
I am looking to start Dinghy Sailing in the new year, will I learn anything by going to the boat show ?, or are there any good sailing magazines to read ?
Catamaran Sailing
Is catamaran sailing better than dinghy sailing?
Yacht Charter
Although I love dinghy sailing, thought I would try some yachting. Some friends are looking at bareboat charter.
Laser 4.7, Radial or Laser Standard
Thinking about a new sailing dinghy after my Topper Lasers seem to be the most popular, but am I best with 4.7 or Radial, what about the Olympic one
Sailing in Spain
Where is the best place for sailing in Spain
BBC Sport Personality of Year
Very disappointing not to see any sailors or any sailing action covered on last night's awards. Plenty of successes this year
Sailing Videos
We have now included videos of sailing action, these can be found at
Winter Sailing Clothing
Gosh wasn't it cold this weekend, my hands were really frozen, any ideas of the best winter sailing gloves ?
NEW Boats for Sale and Gear For Sale Section
SailRacer now has a new For Sale section, here you will find 000s of items For Sale
You can advertsie for FREE, now is the time of year to clear out your garage of all those unused sailing items. There are sections for Boats, Sails, Gear, Clothing, Trailers and TrolleysWhy have the RYA decided to launch a race results
In the past, the RYA have asked clubs to send in their data at the end of every year. The data captured is limited and often open to subjectivity and goes through little validation by the RYA before being used in the statistical number crunching. After a very detailed review of the PYS by the RYA, it was highlighted that the data been captured by the RYA was become less and less meaningful, which was being reflected in the declining amount of returns being received by the RYA.
By launching the RYA Race results website, in collaboration with Simon Lovesey and SailRacer, the RYA are starting to increase the accuracy and meaningfulness of the data being collected by going straight to the source; individual race results. By asking clubs to upload their race results, the RYA are getting raw race data. The raw race data is also being subjected to an analysis in accordance with the RYA guidelines, which again increases the accuracy of the data being returned.
In summary, the RYA hope to collect more data, which is more meaningful to clubs as well as nationally, and start to increase the sailing publics confidence in the system and the numbers published by the RYA.
Problem with Race Dates
Using Sailwave, I've combined all the results from every series (some 40 races) and purged any duplicates, etc. and uploaded the file via Sailwave to the site.
When I try to import each race file I get the 'Enter Race Date' message. No matter what I try it gets rejected. The error messages shows any date either entered or chosen from the Calendar as 1/12/2010 for example 1-DEC-2009=1/12/2010.
I've tried to confuse the transformation by a date combination that might give me 12/1/2010 but with no success.
The dates of the races do not matter, but each race does need manual changes before benchmarking.
How do I get around this??
Barry McGibbon
Lyme Regis Sailing Club
I cant import my Results
I use the in Sailwave to "Send to RYA". I select all the results in the series and then a table is displayed which appears to be all filled in apart from the engine and keep columns. These are empty as the results are all for dinghies. I cant enter anything in the engine and keel columns. Pressing next goes the last panel where I press finish. After confirming that I want the results sent I get a series of message boxes saying "missing config data for ". If ingore these the data does get sent to the website but when I try to import the data I get screens full of big black text and a MicrSoft SQL DB error at the end.
This is very frustrating as I have tried it sseveral times with the same result. I did send an e-mail about this problem to your help some months ago but no one bothered to reply.
Mods to Suggested Handicaps Page
Hi Simon,
Benchmarking – why have I never heard of it befo
I would like understand the arithmetic the website is using. Is it the same as the YR2 spreadsheet ? If I set the benchmark to a class, does it adjust the others in relation to the benchmark or does it use the SCT of the top 2/3 of the fleet as YR2 spreadsheet.
Does it ignore POOR PERFORMERS ?
Where is the manual you refer to.
Mike Swingler
Flushing Sailing Club
Incorrect Data - GIGO ?
I was intending to import all the race results for our club. I loaded a few but it then occured to me that I may be doing something which is causing PYS to spit out odd handicap information. Our club sails in two fleets, slow and fast, but the results are held in a single Sailwave file. Sailwave formats out the results for the two fleets so that they appear nicely separated on our web site. The slow and fast fleets often sail different courses so there is no correlation between the times recorded for each fleet.
Does PYS treat all the boats in a race as sailing the same course or does it "notice" the fleet information and treat them, in our case, as two separate sets of results and calculate the corrected and on a fleet basis ?
Kerry Stares
{{other uses}} File:YachtReliance.jpg
America's Cup defender ''Reliance (yacht)
Reliance'' '''Sailing''' is the Marine propulsion
propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large (usually fabric) foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centreboard, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the vessel relative to its surrounding medium (typically water, but also Land sailing
land and Iceboat
ice) and change its direction and speed. Mastery of the skill requires experience in varying weather
wind and sea conditions, as well as knowledge concerning sailboats themselves and an understanding of one's surroundings. While there are still some places in the world where sail-powered passenger, fishing and trading vessels are used, these craft have become rarer as internal combustion engines have become economically viable in even the poorest and most remote areas. In most countries sailing is enjoyed as a recreational activity or as a Sailing (sport)
sport. Boating
Recreational sailing or yachting can be divided into yacht racing
racing and Cruising (maritime)
cruising. Cruising can include extended offshore and ocean-crossing trips, coastal sailing within sight of land, and daysailing. ==History== {{Details
Maritime history}} File:Peeters Sea storm.JPG
Sea storm with sailing ships, circa 1640 Throughout history sailing has been instrumental in the development of civilization, affording humanity greater mobility than travel over land, whether for trade, transport or warfare, and the capacity for fishing. The earliest representation of a ship under sail appears on a painted disc found in Kuwait dating between 5000 and 5500 BC.<ref>Carter, Robert "Boat remains and maritime trade in the Persian Gulf during the sixth and fifth millennia BC"''Antiquity'' Volume 80 No.307 March 2006 [http://oxfordbrookes.academia.edu/documents/0010/3548/Carter_Boats_Antiquity.pdf]</ref> Advances in sailing technology from the Middle Ages onward enabled Geography in medieval Islam
Arab, Naval history of China
Chinese, Indian maritime history
Indian and Age of Sail
European explorers to make longer voyages into regions with extreme weather and climatic conditions. There were improvements in sails, masts and rigging; navigation equipment improved. From the 15th century onwards, European ships went further north, stayed longer on the Grand Banks and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and eventually began to explore the Pacific Northwest and the Western Arctic.<ref>"Transportation and Maps" in [http://www.collectionscanada.ca/virtual-vault/026018-119.01-e.php?q1=Transportation+and+Maps&PHPSESSID=709io6475tfesngi2m7226o454 Virtual Vault], the art of the boat is sofa an online exhibition of Canadian historical art at Library and Archives Canada</ref> Sailing has contributed to many great explorations in the world. ==Physics== ===Introduction=== The air interacting with the sails of a sailing vessel creates various forces, including Reaction (physics)
reaction forces. If the sails are properly oriented with respect to the wind, then the net force on the sails will move the vessel forward. However, boats propelled by sails cannot sail directly into the wind. They must Tacking (sailing)
tack (turn the boat through the eye of the wind) back and forth in order to progress directly upwind (see below Sailing#Close Hauled or "Beating"
"Beating"). ===Sails as airfoils=== Sails are airfoils that work by using an airflow set up by the wind and the motion of the boat.<ref>{{cite web
title=2.972 How A Sail Boat Sails Into The Wind
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
title=The physics of sailing
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref><ref name="how a sail works @">{{cite web
title=how a sail works @
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> Sails work in two "modes" to use the wind to generate force (see Forces on sails): * when the boat is going in the same direction as the wind, the wind force simply pushes on the sail. The force on the sail is mostly aerodynamic drag, and sails acting in this way are aerodynamically stalled. * when the boat is traveling across the wind, the air coming in from the side is redirected toward the rear; according to Newton's Third law, the air is accelerated towards the rear of the boat and the sails experience a force in the opposite direction. This force manifests itself as pressure differences between the two sides of the sail - there is a region of low pressure on the front side of the sail and a region of high pressure on the back. Another way to say this is that sails generate lift (force)
lift using the air that flows around them in the same way as an aircraft wing.<ref name="how a sail works @"/> The wind flowing over the surface of the sail creates a force approximately perpendicular to the sail; the component of that force parallel to the boat's Sailboat#Keel
keel pulls the boat forward, the component perpendicular to the keel makes the boat heel and causes leeway. ===Apparent wind=== The wind that a boat experiences is the combination of the true wind (i.e. the wind relative to a stationary object) and the wind that occurs due to the forward motion of the boat. This combination is the apparent wind, which is the relative velocity of the wind relative to the boat. When sailing upwind the apparent wind is greater than the true wind and the direction of the apparent wind will be forward of the true wind. Some high-performance boats are capable of Sailing faster than the wind
traveling faster than the true windspeed on some points of sail, see for example the Hydroptčre, which set a world speed record in 2009 by sailing 1.71 times the speed of the wind.<ref>{{cite web
title=WSSR Newsletter No 177. Hydroptere World Records. 23/09/09
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> Iceboats can typically sail at 5 times the speed of the wind.<ref>See "How fast do these things really go?" in the {{cite web
title = FAQ published by the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club
url = http://iceboat.org/faqiceboat.html}}</ref> The energy that drives a sailboat is harnessed by manipulating the relative movement of wind and water speed: if there is no difference in movement, such as on a calm day or when the wind and water current are moving in the same direction at the same speed, there is no energy to be extracted and the sailboat will not be able to do anything but drift. Where there is a difference in motion, then there is energy to be extracted at the interface. The sailboat does this by placing the sail(s) in the air and the hull(s) in the water. A sailing vessel is not maneuverable due to sails alone—the forces caused by the wind on the sails would cause the vessel to rotate and travel sideways instead of moving forward. In the same manner that an aircraft requires Stabilizer (aircraft)
stabilizers, such as a tailplane with Elevator (aircraft)
elevators as well as wings, a boat requires a keel and rudder. The forces on the sails as well as those from below the water line on the keel, centreboard, and other underwater foils including the hull itself (especially for catamarans or in a traditional proa) combine and partially cancel each other to produce the motive force for the vessel. Thus, the physical portion of the boat that is below water can be regarded as functioning as a "second sail." The flow of water over the underwater hull portions creates hydrodynamic forces, which combine with the aerodynamic forces from the sails to allow motion in almost any direction except straight into the wind.<ref name="PhysicsForArchitects.com">How sail boats sail against the wind? Faster than the wind? http://PhysicsForArchitects.com/Sailing_against_the_wind.php</ref> When sailing close to the wind the force generated by the sail acts at 90° to the sail. This force can be considered as split into a small force acting in the direction of travel, as well as a large sideways force that heels (tips) the boat. To enable maximum forward speed, the force needs to be cancelled out, perhaps using human balast, leaving only a smaller forward Net force
resultant force. Depending on the efficiency of the rig and hull, the angle of travel relative to the true wind can be as little as 35° or may need to be 80° or greater. This angle is half of the tack (sailing)
tacking angle and defines one side of a 'no-go zone' into the wind, in which a vessel cannot sail directly.<ref>{{cite web
title=OZ PD Racer - Measuring Leeway and Tacking Angle - Michael Storer Boat Design
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> Tacking (sailing)
Tacking is essential when sailing upwind. The sails, when correctly adjusted, will generate aerodynamic lift. When sailing downwind, the sails no longer generate aerodynamic lift and airflow is stalled, with the wind push on the sails giving drag only. As the boat is going downwind, the apparent wind is less than the true wind and this, allied to the fact that the sails are not producing aerodynamic lift, serves to limit the downwind speed.<ref>Large sails of big area, spinnakers serve to increase the sail area for more performance downwind.</ref> ===Effects of wind shear=== Wind shear affects sailboats in motion by presenting a different wind speed and direction at different heights along the mast (sailing)
mast. Wind shear occurs because of friction above a water surface slowing the flow of air. Thus, a difference in true wind creates a different apparent wind at different heights. Sailmakers may introduce sail twist in the design of the sail, where the head of the sail is set at a different angle of attack from the foot of the sail in order to change the lift distribution with height. The effect of wind shear can be factored into the selection of twist in the sail design, but this can be difficult to predict since wind shear may vary widely in different weather conditions. Sailors may also adjust the trim of the sail to account for wind gradient, for example, using a boom vang.<ref>{{cite book
last = Garrett
first = Ross
title = The Symmetry of Sailing
publisher = Sheridan House
location = Dobbs Ferry
year = 1996
pages = 97–99
isbn = 1-57409-000-3 }}</ref> ==Points of sail== {{Further
Points of sail}} File:Points of sail.svg
The points of sail. A. In Irons (into the wind) B. Close Hauled C. Beam Reach D. Broad Reach E. Running The points of sail
point of sail describes a sailing boat's course in relation to the wind direction. No sailboat can sail directly into the wind (known as being "in irons"), and for a given boat there is a minimum angle that it can sail relative to the wind; attempting to sail closer than that leads to the sails luffing and the boat will slow down and stop. This "no-go zone" (shown shaded in accompanying figure) is about 45° either side of the true wind for a modern sloop. There are 5 main points of sail. In order from the edge of the no-go zone (or "irons") to directly downwind they are: *close haul (the minimum angle to the wind that the boat and its rig can manage - typically about 45° ) *close reach (between close hauled and a beam reach) *beam reach (approximately 90° to the wind) *broad reach (between a beam reach and running) *running (close to directly downwind) The sail trim on a boat is relative to the point of sail one is on: on a beam reach sails are mostly let out, on a run sails are all the way out, and close hauled sails are pulled in very tightly. Two main skills of sailing are trimming the sails correctly for the direction and strength of the wind, and maintaining a course relative to the wind that suits the sails once trimmed. ===Close Hauled or "Beating"=== File:Beating an upwind course.svg
Using a series of close-hauled legs to beat a course upwind. A boat can be 'worked to windward', to arrive at an upwind destination, by sailing close-hauled with the wind coming from one side, then tacking (sailing)
tacking (turning the boat through the eye of the wind) and sailing with the wind coming from the other side. By this method of zig-zagging into the wind, known as Close hauled
beating, it is possible to reach any upwind destination.<ref name="PhysicsForArchitects.com"/> A yacht beating to a mark directly upwind one mile away will cover a distance through the water of at least 1.4 miles, if it can tack through an angle of 90 degrees including leeway. An old adage describes beating as sailing for twice the distance at half the speed and three times the discomfort.<ref>Each leg at 45 degrees to the true wind is 0.71 miles, but in reality is longer as total tacking angles greater than 90° are the norm and leeway can be significant</ref> An estimate of the correct tacking distance can be obtained (& thereby the time taken to travel it @ various boat speeds) by using Pythagoras' theorem with equal tacks (assume a value of 1). This also assumes a tacking angle of 90°. The straight line distance is the hypotenuse value of v2 When beating to windward one tack may be more favorable than the other - more in the desired direction. The best strategy is to stay on the favorable tack as much as possible. If the wind shifts in the sailor's favor, called a ''lift'', so much the better, then this tack is even more favorable. But if it shifts against the sailor's, called a ''header'', then the opposite tack may become the more favorable course. So when the destination is directly into the wind the best strategy is given by the racing adage "tack on a header." This is true because a header on one tack is a lift on the other. How closely a boat can sail into the wind depends on the boat's design, sail shape and trim, the sea state, and the wind speed. Typical minimum pointing angles to the true wind are as follows. Actual course over the ground will be worse due to leeway. *about 35° for modern racing yachts which have been optimized for upwind performance (like America's Cup yachts) *about 40 to 45° for modern cruiser-racer yachts (fast Cruising (maritime)
cruising yachts) *about 50 to 60° for cruisers and workboats with inefficient keels, inefficient hull shapes, or low draught, when compared to craft designed for sailing performance, and for boats carrying two or more masts (since the forward sails adversely affect the windward ability of sails further aft when sailing upwind) *close to 90° for square riggers and similar vessels due to the sail shape which is very ineffective when sailing upwind Image:Shrike-port-beam.jpg
Close hauled or "beating" Sailing close-hauled under a Over-canvassed sailing
large amount of sail, and heeling a great deal, can induce weather helm, or a tendency for the boat to turn into the wind. This requires pulling the tiller to windward (i.e. 'to weather'), or turning the wheel leeward, in order to counteract the effect and maintain the required course. The lee side of the hull is more under water than the weather side and the resulting shape of the submerged parts of the hull usually creates a force that pushes the bow to weather. Driving both the asymmetric heeling hull form and the angled rudder through the water produces Drag (physics)
drag that slows the boat down. If weather helm builds further, it can limit the ability of the helmsman to steer the boat, which can be turned towards but not effectively away from the wind. At more extreme angles of heel, the boat will spontaneously 'round up' into the wind during gusts, i.e. it will turn into the wind regardless of any corrective action taken on the helm. Any action that reduces the angle of heel of a boat that is reaching or beating to windward will help reduce excessive weather helm. Racing sailors use their body weight to bring the boat to a more upright position, but are not allowed to use "movable ballast" during a race. <ref> http://www.sailing.org/documents/racing-rules.php, "51 MOVABLE BALLAST: All movable ballast, including sails that are not set, shall be properly stowed. Water, dead weight or ballast shall not be moved for the purpose of changing trim or stability. Floorboards, bulkheads, doors, stairs and water tanks shall be left in place and all cabin fixtures kept on board. However, bilge water may be bailed out." </ref> Reducing or reefing the total sail area will have the same effect and many boats will sail faster with less sail in a stiff breeze due to the reduction in underwater drag. Easing the sheets on aft-most sails, such as the mainsail in a sloop or Cutter (boat)
cutter can have an immediate effect, especially to help with manoeuvering. Moving or increasing sail area forward can also help, for example by raising the jib (and maybe lowering the staysail) on a cutter. ===Reaching=== Image:Shrike-reaching.jpg
Reaching When the boat is traveling approximately perpendicular to the wind, this is called reaching. A ''beam reach'' is with the wind at right angles to the boat, a ''close reach'' is anywhere between beating and a beam reach, and a ''broad reach'' is between a beam reach and running. For most modern sailboats, that is boats with Fore-and-aft rig
fore-and-aft sails, reaching is the fastest way to travel. The direction of the wind is ideal when reaching because it can maximize the lift generated on the sails in the forward direction of the boat, giving the best boat speed. Also when reaching, the boat can be steered exactly in the direction that is most desirable, and the sails can be trimmed for that direction. Reaching may, however, put the boat on a course parallel with the crests of the waves. When the waves are steep, it may be necessary to sail closer to the wind to avoid waves directly on the beam. ===Running=== Sailing the boat within roughly 30 degrees either side of dead downwind is called a run. This can be the most comfortable point of sail, but requires constant attention. Loss of attention by the helmsman can lead to an accidental jibe, causing injury to the boat or crew. All on deck must be aware of, and if possible avoid, the potential arc of the boom, mainsheet and other gear in case an accidental jibe occurs during a run. A preventer can be rigged to reduce danger and damage from accidental jibes. Image:Shrike-running.jpg
Running wing and wing This is generally the most unstable point of sail, but the easiest for a novice to grasp conceptually, making it a common downfall for beginners. In stronger winds, rolling increases as there is less rolling resistance provided by the sails, as they are eased out. Also, having the sails and boom(s) perpendicular to the boat throws weight and some wind force to that side, making the boat harder to balance. In smaller boats, death rolls can build up and lead to capsize. Also on a run an inexperienced or inattentive sailor can easily misjudge the real wind strength since the boat speed subtracts directly from the true wind speed and makes the apparent wind less. In addition sea conditions can also falsely seem milder than they are as the waves ahead are being viewed from behind making white caps less apparent. When changing course from this point of sail to a reach or a beat, a sailboat that seemed under control can instantly become Over-canvassed sailing
over-canvassed and in danger. Any boat over-canvassed on a run can Rounding up
round up, heel excessively and stop suddenly in the water. This is called Broach (sailing)
broaching and it can lead to capsize, possible crew injury and loss of crew into the water. Options for maneuvering are also reduced. On other points of sail, it is easy to stop or slow the boat by heading into the wind; there may be no such easy way out when running, especially in close quarters or when a spinnaker, whisker pole or preventer are set. ==Basic sailing techniques== File:Sailing in front of Helsinki, Finland.jpg
Sailing in front of Helsinki, Finland. 8mR Sagitta (Camper & Nicholson 1929), a true sailboat with no motor, lowers its mainsail after a training session before returning to its Mooring (watercraft)
mooring with the foresail only. ===Trim=== An important aspect of sailing is keeping the boat in "trim". * '''C'''ourse made good - The turning or steering of the boat vessel using the wheel or tiller to the desired course or buoy. See different points of sail. This may be a definite bearing (e.g. steer 270 degrees), or along a Navigational transit
transit, or at a desired angle to the apparent wind direction. * '''T'''rim - This is the fore and aft balance of the boat. The aim is to adjust the moveable ballast (the crew) forwards or backwards to achieve an 'even keel'. On an upwind course in a small boat, the crew typically sit forward to reduce drag. When 'running', it is more efficient for the crew to sit to the rear of the boat. The position of the crew matters less as the size (and weight) of the boat increases. * '''B'''alance - This is the port and starboard balance. The aim, once again, is to adjust weight 'windward' or 'leeward' to prevent excessive heeling. The boat moves at a faster velocity if it is flat to the water. * '''S'''ail trim - Trimming sails is a large topic. Simply put, however, a sail should be pulled in until it fills with wind, but no further than the point where the front edge of the sail (the luff) is exactly in line with the wind. Let it out until it starts to flap, and then pull it in until it stops. * '''C'''entreboard (Daggerboard) - If a moveable centreboard is fitted, then it should be lowered when sailing "close to the wind" but can be raised up on downwind courses to reduce drag. The centreboard prevents lateral motion and allows the boat to sail upwind. A boat with no centreboard will instead have a permanent keel, some other form of underwater foil, or even the hull itself which serves the same purpose. On a close haul the daggerboard should be fully down, and while running, over half way up. Together, these points are known as 'The Five Essentials' and constitute the central aspects of sailing. ===Tacking and gybing=== There are two ways to change from port tack to starboard tack (or vice versa): either by turning the Bow (ship)
bow through the eye of the wind, "tacking (sailing)
tacking" or the stern, "gybing". In general sailing, tacking is the safer method and preferred especially when sailing upwind; in windsurfing, gybing is preferred as this involves much less maneuvering for the sailor. For general sailing, during such course changes, there is work that needs to be done. Just before tacking the command "Ready about" is given, at which point the crew must man the sheet lines which need to be changed over to the other tack and the helmsman gets ready. To execute the tack the command "Lee-ho" or "Hard-a-lee" is given. The latter is a direct order to the helmsman to push the tiller hard to the leeward side of the boat making the bow of the boat come up and quickly turn through the eye of the wind to prevent the boat being caught in irons. As the boat turns through the eye of the wind, some sails such as those with a boom and a single sheet may self-tack and need only small adjustments of sheeting points, but for jibs and other sails with separate sheets on either side, the original sheet must be loosened and the opposite sheet lines hauled in and set quickly and properly for the new point of sail. Gybing is often necessary to change course when sailing off the wind or downwind. It is a more dangerous maneuver because boom (sailing)
booms must be controlled as the sails catch the new wind direction from astern. An uncontrolled jibe can happen suddenly by itself when sailing downwind if the helmsman is not paying attention to the wind direction and can be very dangerous as the main boom will sweep across the cockpit very quickly and with great force. Before gybing the command "Ready to gybe" is given. The crew gets ready at their positions. If any sails are constrained with preventers or whisker poles these are taken down. The command "Gybe-ho" is given to execute the turn. The boomed sails must be hauled in and made fast before the stern reaches the eye of the wind, so that they are amidship and controlled as the stern passes through the wind, and then let out quickly under control and adjusted to the new point of sail. ===Reducing sail=== An important safety aspect of sailing is to adjust the amount of sail to suit the wind conditions. As the wind speed increases the crew should progressively reduce the amount of sail. On a small boat with only jib and mainsail this is done by furl (sailing)
furling the jib and by partially lowering the mainsail, a process called 'reefing the main'. Reefing means reducing the area of a sail without actually changing it for a smaller sail. Ideally reefing does not only result in a reduced sail area but also in a lower centre of effort from the sails, reducing the heeling moment and keeping the boat more upright. There are three common methods of reefing the mainsail: *Slab reefing, which involves lowering the sail by about one-quarter to one-third of its full length and tightening the lower part of the sail using an outhaul or a pre-loaded reef line through a cringle at the new Parts of a sail#The corners
clew, and hook through a cringle at the new Parts of a sail#The corners
tack. *In-mast (or on-mast) roller-reefing. This method rolls the sail up around a vertical foil either inside a slot in the mast, or affixed to the outside of the mast. It requires a mainsail with either no battens, or newly-developed vertical battens. *In-boom roller-reefing, with a horizontal foil inside the boom (sailing)
boom. This method allows for standard- or full-length horizontal battens. Mainsail furling systems have become increasingly popular on cruising yachts, as they can be operated shorthanded and from the cockpit, in most cases. However, the sail can become jammed in the mast (sailing)
mast or boom slot if not operated correctly. Mainsail furling is almost never used while racing because it results in a less efficient sail profile. The classical slab-reefing method is the most widely used. Mainsail furling has an additional disadvantage in that its complicated gear may somewhat increase weight aloft. However, as the size of the boat increases, the benefits of mainsail roller furling increase dramatically. An old saying goes, "The first time you think of reducing sail you should,"{{Citation needed
date=November 2007}} and correspondingly, "When you think you are ready to take out a reef, have a cup of tea first."{{Citation needed
date=November 2007}} ===Sail trimming=== File:Contender sailing dinghy.jpg
A Contender dinghy on a reach. The most basic control of the sail consists of setting its angle relative to the wind. The control line that accomplishes this is called a "sheet." If the sheet is too loose the sail will flap in the wind, an occurrence that is called "luffing." Optimum sail angle can be approximated by pulling the sheet in just so far as to make the luffing stop, or by using of Tell-tale#Sailing
tell-tales - small ribbons or yarn attached each side of the sail that both stream horizontally to indicate a properly trimmed sail.<ref>http://www.aclasssailing.co.nz/Sailing%20With%20A%20Smile.pdf</ref> Finer controls adjust the overall shape of the sail. Two or more sails are frequently combined to maximize the smooth flow of air. The sails are adjusted to create a smooth laminar flow over the sail surfaces. This is called the "slot effect". The combined sails fit into an imaginary aerofoil outline, so that the most forward sails are more in line with the wind, whereas the more aft sails are more in line with the course followed. The combined efficiency of this sail plan is greater than the sum of each sail used in isolation. More detailed aspects include specific control of the sail's shape, e.g.: * reefing, or reducing the sail area in stronger wind * altering sail shape to make it flatter in high winds * raking the mast when going upwind (to tilt the sail towards the rear, this being more stable) * providing sail twist to account for wind speed differential and to spill excess wind in gusty conditions * gibbing or lowering a sail ===Hull trim=== Hull trim is the adjustment of a boat's loading so as to change its fore-and-aft attitude in the water. In small boats, it is done by positioning the crew. In larger boats the weight of a person has less effect on the hull trim, but it can be adjusted by shifting gear, fuel, water, or supplies. Different hull trim efforts are required for different kinds of boats and different conditions. Here are just a few examples: In a lightweight racing dinghy like a Thistle (dinghy)
Thistle, the hull should be kept level, on its designed water line for best performance in all conditions. In many small boats, weight too far aft can cause drag by submerging the Transom (nautical)
transom, especially in light to moderate winds. Weight too far forward can cause the bow to dig into the waves. In heavy winds, a boat with its bow too low may capsize by pitching forward over its bow (pitch-pole) or dive under the waves (submarine). On a run in heavy winds, the forces on the sails tend to drive a boat's bow down, so the crew weight is moved far aft. ===Heeling===<!-- This section is linked from Yacht --> When a ship or boat leans over to one side, from the action of waves or from the centrifugal force of a turn or under wind pressure or from amount of exposed topsides, it is said to 'heel'. A sailing boat that is Over-canvassed sailing
over-canvassed and therefore heeling, may sail less efficiently depending on fundamental or opportunistic factors such as temporary nature of the feature (e.g. wind gust), use (e.g. racing), crew ability, point of sail, hull size & design. File:Tacking near Britannia Bridge.jpg
Boats heeling in front of Britannia Bridge in a round-Anglesey race 1998 When a vessel is subject to a heeling force (such as wind pressure), vessel buoyancy & beam of the hull will counter-act the heeling force. A weighted keel provides additional means to right the boat. In some high-performance racing yachts, water ballast or the angle of a canting keel can be changed to provide additional righting force to counteract heeling. The crew may move their personal weight to the high (upwind) side of the boat, this is called ''Hiking (sailing)
hiking'', which also changes the centre of gravity & produces a righting lever to reduce the degree of heeling. Incidental benefits include faster vessel speed caused by more efficient action of the hull & sails. Other options to reduce heeling include reducing exposed sail area & efficiency of the sail setting & a variant of hiking called "trapeze (sailing)
trapezing". This can only be done if the vessel is designed for this, as in dinghy sailing. A sailor can (usually involuntarily) try turning upwind in gusts (it is known as ''rounding up''). This can lead to difficulties in controlling the vessel if over-canvassed. Wind can be spilled from the sails by 'sheeting out', or loosening them. Number of sails, their size & shape can be altered. Raising the dinghy centreboard can reduce heeling by allowing more leeway. The increasingly asymmetric underwater shape of the hull matching the increasing angle of heel may generate an increasing directional turning force into the wind. The sails' centre of effort will also increase this turning effect or force on the vessel's motion due to increasing lever effect with increased heeling which shows itself as increased human effort required to steer a straight course. Increased heeling reduces exposed sail area relative to the wind direction, so leading to an equilibrium state. As more heeling force causes more heel, weather helm may be experienced. This condition has a braking effect on the vessel but has the safety effect in that a excessively hard pressed boat will try and turn into the wind therefore reducing the forces on the sail. Small amounts (=5 degrees) of weather helm are generally considered desirable because of the consequent aerofoil lift effect from the rudder. This aerofoil lift produces helpful motion to windward & the corollary of the reason why lee helm is dangerous. Lee helm, the opposite of weather helm, is generally considered to be dangerous because the vessel turns away from the wind when the helm is released, thus increasing forces on the sail at a time when the helmsman is not incontrol. ==Sailing hulls and hull shapes== {{Further
Hull (watercraft)}} File:Musto Skiff.jpg
Musto Performance Skiff Sailing boats with one hull are "monohulls", those with two are "catamarans", those with three are "trimarans". A boat is turned by a rudder, which itself is controlled by a tiller or a wheel, while at the same time adjusting the sheeting angle of the sails. Smaller sailing boats often have a stabilising, raisable, underwater fin called a centreboard, daggerboard, or leeboard; larger sailing boats have a fixed (or sometimes canting) keel. As a general rule, the former are called dinghies, the latter keelboats. However, up until the adoption of the Racing Rules of Sailing, any vessel racing under sail was considered a yacht, be it a multi-masted ship-rigged vessel (such as a sailing frigate), a sailboard (more commonly referred to as a windsurfer) or remote-controlled boat, or anything in between. (See Dinghy sailing.) Multihulls use flotation and/or weight positioned away from the centre line of the sailboat to counter the force of the wind. This is in contrast to heavy ballast that can account for up to 90% (in extreme cases like America's Cup
AC boats) of the weight of a monohull sailboat. In the case of a standard catamaran there are two similarly-sized and -shaped slender hulls connected by beams, which are sometimes overlaid by a deck superstructure. Another catamaran variation is the proa. In the case of trimarans, which have an unballasted centre hull similar to a monohull, two smaller ama (sailing)
amas are situated parallel to the centre hull to resist the sideways force of the wind. The advantage of multihulled sailboats is that they do not suffer the performance penalty of having to carry heavy ballast, and their relatively lesser draft reduces the amount of drag, caused by friction and inertia, when moving through the water. One of the most common dinghy hulls in the world is the Laser (boat)
Laser hull. It was designed by Bruce Kirby in 1971 and unveiled at the New York boat show (1971) It was designed with speed and simplicity in mind. The Laser is 13 feet 10.5 inches long and a 12.5 foot water line and {{convert
m2}} of sail. ==Types of sails and layouts== {{Further
Sailboat}} File:Mozambique - traditional sailboat.jpg
Traditional sailing off the northern coast of Mozambique. A traditional modern yacht is technically called a "Bermuda sloop" (sometimes a "Bermudan sloop"). A sloop is any boat that has a single mast and usually a single headsail (generally a jib) in addition to the mainsail (Bermuda rig but c.f. Friendship sloop). A cutter (boat) also has a single mast, set further aft than a sloop and more than one headsail. Additionally, Bermuda sloops only have a single sail behind the mast. Other types of sloops are gaff-rigged sloops and lateen sloops. Gaff-rigged sloops have quadrilateral mainsails with a gaff rig
gaff (a small boom) at their upper edge (the "head" of the sail). Gaff-rigged vessels may also have another sail, called a topsail, above the gaff. Lateen sloops have triangular sails with the upper edge attached to a gaff, and the lower edge attached to the boom, and the boom and gaff are attached to each other via some type of hinge. It is also possible for a sloop to be square rigged (having large square sails like a Napoleonic Wars-era ship of the line). Note that a "sloop of war", in the naval sense, may well have more than one mast, and is not properly a sloop by the modern meaning. If a boat has two masts, it may be a schooner, a ketch, or a yawl, if it is rigged fore-and-aft on all masts. A schooner may have any number of masts provided the second from the front is the tallest (called the "main mast"). In both a ketch and a yawl, the foremost mast is tallest, and thus the main mast, while the rear mast is shorter, and called the mizzen mast. The difference between a ketch and a yawl is that in a ketch, the mizzen mast is forward of the rudderpost (the axis of rotation for the rudder), while a yawl has its mizzen mast behind the rudderpost. In modern parlance, a brigantine is a vessel whose forward mast is rigged with square sails, while her after mast is rigged fore-and-aft. A brig is a vessel with two masts both rigged square. As one gets into three or more masts the number of combinations rises and one gets barques, barquentines, and full rigged ships. A spinnaker is a large, full sail that is only used when sailing off wind either reaching or downwind, to catch the maximum amount of wind. ===Sailing by high altitude wind power=== SkySails is sailing freighter ships.<ref>{{cite web
title=SkySails - Home
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> Speedsailor Dave Culp strongly introduced his OutLeader kite sail for speedsailing.<ref>{{cite news
title=Sailing an Oil Tanker
publisher=''The New York Times''
date=December 10, 2006
author= Timothy Lesle
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> Malcolm Phillips invents an advanced sailing technique using high altitude kites and kytoon.<ref>* [http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=0MwTAAAAEBAJ US Patent 6925949] Elevated sailing apparatus by Malcolm Phillips, filed Dec 31, 2002.</ref> ===Rigid foils=== With modern technology, "wings", that is Sail#Sail types
rigid sails, may be used in place of fabric sails. An example of this would be the International C-Class Catamaran Championship and the yacht BMW Oracle Racing 90
USA 17 that won the 2010 2010 America's Cup
America's Cup.<ref name = "C cat">{{cite web
title=c class catamarans
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> Such rigid sails are typically made of thin plastic fabric held stretched over a frame.<ref name = "C cat"/> ===Alternative wind-powered vessels=== Some non-traditional rigs capture energy from the wind in a different fashion and are capable of feats that traditional rigs are not, such as sailing directly into the wind. One such example is the wind turbine boat, also called the windmill boat,<ref>{{cite web
title=Windmill Sailboat: Sailing Against the Wind
accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> which uses a large windmill to extract energy from the wind, and a propeller to convert this energy to forward motion of the hull. A similar design, called the autogyro boat, uses a wind turbine without the propellor, and functions in a manner similar to a normal sail.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://uk.geocities.com/fnsnclr%40btinternet.com/yachts/auto/index.htm&date=2009-10-25+04:15:58 WebCite query result<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> A more recent (2010) development is a cart that uses wheels linked to a propeller to Sailing faster than the wind#Sailing dead downwind faster than the wind
"sail" dead downwind at speeds exceeding wind speed.<ref name = sailmagRFttW>{{cite web
last = Cort
first = Adam
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = Running Faster than the Wind
work =
publisher = sailmagazine.com
date = April 5, 2010
url = http://sailmagazine.com/racing/running_faster_than_the_wind/
accessdate = April 6, 2010}}</ref><ref name = ddfw>{{cite web
title = Ride Like the Wind (only faster)
url = http://www.fasterthanthewind.org/
accessdate = April 6, 2010}}</ref> ===Kitesurfing and windsurfing=== Kitesurfing and windsurfing are other forms of sailing. ==Sailing terminology== {{Further
Glossary of nautical terms}} Sailors use traditional nautical terms for the parts of or directions on a vessel: starboard (right), port or larboard (left), forward or fore (front), aft or abaft (rearward), bow (forward part of the hull), stern (aft part of the hull), beam (the widest part). Vertical spars are masts, horizontal spars are booms (if they can hit the sailor), yards, gaffs (if they are too high to reach) or poles (if they cannot hit the sailor). ===Rope and lines=== File:Rigging, sailing.jpg
Standing rigging (on the left) and running rigging (on the right), on a sailing boat. In most cases, ''rope'' is the term used only for raw material. Once a section of rope is designated for a particular purpose on a vessel, it generally is called a ''line,'' as in ''outhaul line'' or ''dock line''. A very thick line is considered a ''cable.'' Lines that are attached to sails to control their shapes are called ''sheets'', as in ''mainsheet''. If a rope is made of wire, it maintains its rope name as in 'wire rope' halyard. Lines (generally steel cables) that support masts are stationary and are collectively known as a vessel's standing rigging, and individually as ''shrouds'' or ''stays''. The stay running forward from a mast to the bow is called the ''forestay'' or ''headstay''. Stays running aft are backstays or after stays. Moveable lines that control sails or other equipment are known collectively as a vessel's running rigging. Lines that raise sails are called ''halyards'' while those that strike them are called ''downhauls''. Lines that adjust (trim) the sails are called ''sheet (sailing)
sheets''. These are often referred to using the name of the sail they control (such as ''main sheet'', or ''jib sheet''). Sail trim may also be controlled with smaller lines attached to the forward section of a boom such as a cunningham; a line used to hold the boom down is called a ''vang'', or a ''kicker'' in the United Kingdom. A ''topping lift'' is used to hold a boom up in the absence of sail tension. ''Guy (sailing)
Guys'' are used to control the ends of other Spar (sailing)
spars such as spinnaker poles. Lines used to tie a boat up when alongside are called ''docklines'', ''docking cables'' or ''mooring warps''. In dinghies the single line from the bow is referred to as the ''Painter (rope)
painter''. A ''rode'' is what attaches an anchored boat to its anchor. It may be made of chain, rope, or a combination of the two. Some lines are referred to as ropes: * a bell rope (to ring the bell), * a bolt rope (attached to the edge of a sail for extra strength), * a foot rope (for sailors on square riggers to stand on while reefing or furling the sails), and * a tiller rope (to temporarily hold the tiller and keep the boat on course). ===Other terms=== File:mooring-youngstown.jpg
Sailboat on a mooring ball near Youngstown, NY Walls are called ''Bulkhead (partition)
bulkheads'' or ''ceilings'', while the surfaces referred to as ceilings on land are called 'overheads'. Floors are called 'soles' or ''Deck (ship)
decks''. "Broken up" was the fate of a ship that hit a "rocky point" or was simply no longer wanted. The toilet is traditionally called the 'head', the kitchen is the ''Galley (kitchen)
galley''. When lines are tied off, this may be referred to as 'made fast' or 'belayed.' Sails in different sail plans have unchanging names, however. For the naming of sails, see sail-plan. ==Knots and line handling== {{see also
List of knots}} The tying and untying of knots and hitches as well as the general handling of ropes and lines are fundamental to the art of sailing.<ref>{{cite web
url = http://sailing.about.com/od/learntosail/a/basicsailingknotshub.htm
title = Basic Sailing Knots
author = Tom Lochhass
publisher = New York Times Company
accessdate = 9 July 2012}}</ref> The Royal Yachting Association
RYA basic 'Start Yachting' syllabus lists the following knots and hitches: *figure-eight knot — stopper knot *round turn and two half hitches — secure the end of a rope to a fixed object *bowline — used to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope It also lists securing a line around a cleat (nautical)
cleat and the use of winches and jamming cleats.<ref>{{cite book
title=RYA Sail Cruising and Yachtmaster Scheme: Syllabus and logbook
publisher=Royal yachting Association
location=Eastleigh, Hampshire
pages=10}}</ref> The RYA Competent Crew syllabus adds the following to the list above, as well as knowledge of the correct use of each: *clove hitch — securing lines running along a series of posts *rolling hitch — rigging a stopper to relax the tension on a sheet *reef knot — joining two ends of a single line to bind around an object *single and double sheet bend — joining two ropes of different diameters In addition it requires competent crewmembers to understand 'taking a turn' around a cleat and to be able to make cleated lines secure. Lines and halyards need to be coiled neatly for stowage and reuse. Dock lines need to be thrown and handled safely and correctly when coming alongside, up to a buoy, and when anchoring, as well as when casting off and getting under way.<ref>{{cite book
title=Competent Crew: Practical Course Notes
publisher=Royal Yachting Association
location=Eastleigh, Hampshire
isbn=0 901501 35 2
pages=32–43}}</ref> ==Rules and regulations== Every vessel in coastal and offshore waters is subject to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (the COLREGS). On inland waterways and lakes other similar regulations, such as Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure
CEVNI in Europe, may apply. In some sailing events, such as the Olympic Games, which are held on closed courses where no other boating is allowed, specific racing rules such as the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) may apply. Often, in club racing, specific club racing rules, perhaps based on RRS, may be ''superimposed'' onto the more general regulations such as COLREGS or CEVNI. In general, regardless of the activity, every sailor must *Maintain a proper lookout at all times *Adjust speed to suit the conditions *Know whether to 'stand on' or 'give way' in any close-quarters situation.<ref>{{cite book
title=Reeds Skipper's Handbook
publisher=Adlard Coles Nautical
page=95}}</ref> The stand-on vessel must hold a steady course and speed but be prepared to take late avoiding action to prevent an actual collision if the other vessel does not do so in time. The give-way vessel must take early, positive and obvious avoiding action, without crossing ahead of the other vessel.(International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Section II (for vessels in sight of one another)
Rules 16-17) #If an approaching vessel remains on a steady bearing, and the range is decreasing, then a collision is likely. (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Section I (for any visibility)
Rule 7) This can be checked with a hand-bearing compass. #The sailing vessel on port tack<ref>Sails set for a breeze coming from the left hand side of the boat</ref> gives way to the sailing vessel on starboard tack<ref>Sails set for a breeze coming from the right side of the boat</ref> (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Section II (for vessels in sight of one another)
Rule 12) #If both sailing vessels are on the same tack, the windward boat gives way to the leeward one (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Section II (for vessels in sight of one another)
Rule 12) #If a vessel on port tack is unable to determine the tack of the other boat, she should be prepared to give way (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Section II (for vessels in sight of one another)
Rule 12) #An overtaking vessel must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Section II (for vessels in sight of one another)
Rule 13) #Sailing vessels must give way to vessels engaged in fishing, those not under command, those restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and should avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft. (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Section II (for vessels in sight of one another)
Rule 18) The COLREGS go on to describe the lights to be shown by vessels under way at night or in restricted visibility. Specifically, for sailing boats, red and green sidelights and a white sternlight are required, although for vessels under 7 metres (23.0 ft) in length, these may be substituted by a torch or white all-round lantern. (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Part C - Lights and shapes
Rules 22 & 25) Sailors are required to be aware not only of the requirements for their own boat, but of all the other lights, shapes and flags that may be shown by other vessels, such as those fishing, towing, dredging, diving etc., as well as sound signals that may be made in restricted visibility and at close quarters, so that they can make decisions under the COLREGS in good time, should the need arise. (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea#Part D - Sound and light signals
Rules 32 - 37) In addition to the COLREGS, CEVNI and/or any specific racing rules that apply to a sailing boat, there are also * The IALA International Association of Lighthouse Authorities standards for lateral marks, lights, signals, and buoyage and rules designed to support safe navigation. * The SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) regulations, specifically Chapter V, which became mandatory for all leisure craft users of the sea from 1 July 2002.<ref>{{cite book
title=Reeds Skipper's Handbook
publisher=Adlard Coles Nautical
page=115}}</ref> These regulations place the obligations for safety on the owners and operators of any boat including sailboats. They specify the safety equipment needed, the emergency procedures to be used appropriate to the boat's size and its sailing range, and requirements for passage planning with regard to weather and safety. ==Licensing== Licensing regulations vary widely across the world. While boating on international waters does not require any license, a license may be required to operate a vessel on coastal waters or inland waters. Some jurisdictions require a license when a certain size is exceeded (e.g., a length of 20 meters), others only require licenses to pilot passenger ships, ferries or tugboats. For example, the European Union issues the International Certificate of Competence, which is required to operate pleasure craft in most inland waterways within the union. The United States in contrast has no licensing, but instead has voluntary certification organizations such as the American Sailing Association. These US certificates are often required to charter a boat, but are not required by any federal or state law. ==Sailboat racing== {{Main
Sailing (sport)}} File:Kärkinen bridge during Päijännepurjehdus 2007.jpg
A yacht race on Lake Päijänne in Jyväskylä, Finland. File:US Sailing Team2.jpg
U.S. Sailing team at the World Military Games Sailing Competition, December 2003 Sailboat racing generally fits into one of two categories: ; Class : Where all the boats are substantially similar, and the first boat to finish wins. (e.g. 470 (dinghy)
470, 49er (dinghy)
49er, Contender (dinghy)
Contender, Farr 40, Laser (dinghy)
Laser, Lido 14, RS Feva, Soling, Star (sailboat)
Star, Thistle (dinghy)
Thistle, etc.) ; Handicap : Where boats of different types sail against each other and are scored based on their handicaps which are calculated either before the start or after the finish. ( e.g. Fastnet Race, Commodore's Cup, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Bermuda Race, etc.) The two most common handicap systems are the IRC (sailing)
IRC and the Portsmouth Yardstick, while the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet
Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) is very common in the U.S.A. Class racing can be further subdivided. Each class has its own set of class rules, and some classes are more restrictive than others. In a strict one-design class the boats are essentially identical. Examples include the 29er (boat)
29er, J/24, Laser (dinghy)
Laser, and RS Feva. File:Lettenmaier.jpg
The thistle (dinghy)
Thistle, an example of a one-design sailboat class. At the other end of the extreme are the development classes based on a box-rule. The box-rule might specify only a few parameters such as maximum length, minimum weight, and maximum sail area, thus allowing creative engineering to develop the fastest boat within the constraints. Examples include the Moth (dinghy), the A Class Catamaran, and the boats used in the America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and Barcelona World Race. Many classes lie somewhere in between strict one-design and box rule. These classes allows some variation, but the boats are still substantially similar. For instance, both wood and fiberglass hulls are allowed in the Albacore (dinghy)
Albacore, Wayfarer (dinghy)
Wayfarer, and Fireball (dinghy)
Fireball classes, but the hull shape, weight, and sail area are tightly constrained. Sailboat racing ranges from single person dinghy racing to large boats with 10 or 20 crew and from small boats costing a few thousand dollars to multi-million dollar America's Cup or Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race campaigns. The costs of participating in the high end large boat competitions make this type of sailing one of the most expensive sports in the world. However, there are inexpensive ways to get involved in sailboat racing, such as at community sailing clubs, classes offered by local recreation organizations and in some inexpensive dinghy and small catamaran classes. Additionally high schools and colleges may offer sailboat racing programs through the Interscholastic Sailing Association (in the USA) and the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (in the USA and some parts of Canada). Under these conditions, sailboat racing can be comparable to or less expensive than sports such as golf and skiing. Sailboat racing is one of the few sports in which people of all ages and genders can regularly compete with and against each other. Most sailboat and yacht racing is done in coastal or inland waters. However, in terms of endurance and risk to life, ocean races such as the Volvo Ocean Race, the solo VELUX 5 Oceans Race, and the non-stop solo Vendée Globe, rate as some of the most extreme and dangerous sporting events. Not only do participants compete for days with little rest, but an unexpected storm, a single equipment failure, or collision with an ice floe could result in the sailboat being disabled or sunk hundreds or thousands of miles from search and rescue. The sport of Yacht racing
Sailboat racing is governed by the International Sailing Federation, and the rules under which competitors race are the Racing Rules of Sailing, which can be found on the ISAF web site. ==Recreational sailing== Sailing for pleasure can involve short trips across a bay, Day sailer
day sailing, coastal cruising, and more extended offshore or 'blue-water' Cruising (maritime)
cruising. These trips can be Single-handed sailing
singlehanded or the vessel may be crewed by families or groups of friends. Sailing vessels may proceed on their own, or be part of a flotilla with other like-minded voyagers. Sailing boats may be operated by their owners, who often also gain pleasure from maintaining and modifying their craft to suit their needs and taste, or may be rented for the specific trip or cruise. A professional Captain (nautical)#Skipper
skipper and even crew may be hired along with the boat in some cases. People take cruises in which they crew and 'learn the ropes' aboard craft such as tall ships, classic sailing vessels and restored working boats. Cruising trips of several days or longer can involve a deep immersion in logistics, navigation, meteorology, local geography and history, fishing lore, sailing knowledge, general psychological coping, and serendipity. Once the boat is acquired it is not all that expensive an endeavor, often much less expensive than a normal vacation on land. It naturally develops self-reliance, responsibility, economy, and many other useful skills. Besides improving sailing skills, all the other normal needs of everyday living must also be addressed. There are work roles that can be done by everyone in the family to help contribute to an enjoyable outdoor adventure for all. A style of casual coastal cruising called gunkholing is a popular summertime family recreational activity. It consists of taking a series of day sails to out of the way places and anchoring overnight while enjoying such activities as exploring isolated islands, swimming (sport)
swimming, fishing, etc. Many nearby local waters on rivers, bays, sounds, and coastlines can become great natural cruising grounds for this type of recreational sailing. Casual sailing trips with friends and family can become lifetime bonding experiences. ==Passagemaking== Long-distance voyaging, such as that across oceans and between far-flung ports, can be considered the near-absolute province of the cruising sailboat. Most modern yachts of 25–55 feet long, propelled solely by mechanical powerplants, cannot carry the fuel sufficient for a point-to-point voyage of even 250–500 miles without needing to resupply; but a well-prepared sail-powered yacht of similar length is theoretically capable of sailing anywhere its crew is willing to guide it. Even considering that the cost benefits are offset by a much reduced cruising speed, many people traveling distances in small boats come to appreciate the more leisurely pace and increased time spent on the water. Since the solo circumnavigation of Joshua Slocum in the 1890s, long-distance cruising under sail has inspired thousands of otherwise normal people to explore distant seas and horizons. The important voyages of Robin Lee Graham, Eric Hiscock, Don Street<ref>http://www.street-iolaire.com/bio.htm</ref> and others have shown that, while not strictly racing, ocean voyaging carries with it an inherent sense of competition, especially that between man and the elements. Such a challenging enterprise requires keen knowledge of sailing in general as well as maintenance, navigation (especially celestial navigation), and often even international diplomacy (for which an entire set of protocols should be learned and practiced). But one of the great benefits to sailboat ownership is that one may at least imagine the type of adventure that the average affordable powerboat could never accomplish. ==See also== {{Portal
Sailing}} {{div col
colwidth=30em}} *Sailing (sport) *Sailing at the Summer Olympics *American Sail Training Association *Boat building *Canadian Yachting Association *Catboat and Sloop *Day sailer *Dinghy racing *Ice boat *Land sailing *Glossary of nautical terms *Marina *Planing (sailing) *Puddle Duck Racer *Racing Rules of Sailing *Royal Yachting Association *Single-handed sailing *Solar sail *Trailer sailer *Intercollegiate sports team champions#Sailing
U.S. intercollegiate sailing champions *US Sailing *Yacht charter {{div col end}} ==Notes== {{reflist
2}} ==Bibliography== *"Transportation and Maps" in [http://www.collectionscanada.ca/virtual-vault/026018-119.01-e.php?q1=Transportation+and+Maps&PHPSESSID=709io6475tfesngi2m7226o454 Virtual Vault], an online exhibition of Canadian historical art at Library and Archives Canada * Rousmaniere, John, ''The Annapolis Book of Seamanship'', Simon & Schuster, 1999 * ''Chapman Book of Piloting'' (various contributors), Hearst Corporation, 1999 * Herreshoff, Halsey (consulting editor), ''The Sailor's Handbook'', Little Brown and Company, 1983 * Seidman, David, ''The Complete Sailor'', International Marine, 1995 * Jobson, Gary, ''Sailing Fundamentals'', Simon & Schuster, 1987 ==External links== {{Commons}} {{Wiktionary}} *[http://www.asa.com/ American Sailing Association] *[http://www.ussailing.org/ US Sailing] *{{dmoz
Recreation/Boating/Sailing/}} *[http://www.animations.physics.unsw.edu.au/jw/sailing.html The physics of sailing] (School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia) * {{Wikivoyage-inline
Cruising on small craft}} {{Sailing Dinghies and Skiffs}} {{Trailer sailers and Trailer yachts worldwide}} {{Keelboats Worldwide}} {{List of Catamarans and Trimarans}} Category:Sailing
Category:Mixed sports Category:Olympic sports {{Link FA