Tim Hore - Learn to Sail: The Simplest Way to Start Sailing

KNOW YOUR BOAT

In this chapter you will learn the terminology used in sailing, as well as the names for the parts of your boat, sails and rigging

The Basics

Looking at a plan view of the hull, the left-hand side of the boat is called the port side and the right-hand side the starboard side. The front of the boat is called the bow and the rear is the stern or transom. Anything that happens ahead of the direction of travel is called ahead, and behind the boat is called astern. The wind will push the boom to one side of the boat or the other the side of the boat under the boom is called the leeward side, while the side of the boat opposite the boom is called the windward side. The leeward and windward sides of the boat will change, depending on the wind direction in relation to the boats course (see the points of sailing chapter on ), but all the other descriptions mentioned above will always remain the same.

Points of view from the dinghy

Helmsman holds tiller and mainsheet in dagger grip

The person steering the boat is called the helmsman, but when we use this term it applies to both male and female. The helmsman steers the boat by holding the tiller extension across and in front of his body with one hand, and the mainsheet in the other hand. This is called the dagger grip and allows him to control the mainsail and rudder easily. In a two person dinghy the second person is called the crew.

Tiller extension is held in back hand and mainsheet in front hand

This person controls the headsail called the jib and, if fitted, the spinnaker.

In a two person boat the second person is called crew

Both the helm and the crew sit in an area called the cockpit, which is from where they operate the boat. To help them lean out and balance the boat, they can hook their feet underneath the toe straps, which are webbing straps securely fixed to the inside floor of the cockpit.

Helm and crew work as a team

TOP TIP

The unit of measurement for all things nautical is the knot, and one knot is 1.15 miles or 1.85 kilometres per hour.

They can use toe straps to lean out to balance the boat

Toe straps are strong straps designed to carry your weight

Boats come in various shapes, sizes and construction to suit different crew weights, aspirations and sailing environments. The hull can be made from wood, fibreglass or hard wearing durable plastic so, depending on what type of sailing you plan to do, there will always be an appropriate boat for you. Rather than dashing out and buying the first boat you see, it is much better to try as many different types as possible to ensure that you purchase the best one for your needs. Sailing centres offer great advice and choice, while sailing clubs are also a good place for information and some even provide boats for hire. For your first boat, perhaps consider a second-hand one again your sailing centre or club can advise you on where to look.

Sailing has many levels... literally... is he sailing or flying?!

Dinghies come in different shapes, sizes and construction

Boats are also made of durable plastic

Every boat has the same basic components, although variations apply from boat to boat. These components are the hull, the spars, which consist of the mast and boom and are generally made of aluminium, the sails and finally the rudder assembly.

Two person boats have two sails

To help with manoeuvring ashore you should use a launching trolley. The trolley supports the boat well when on shore and has large soft wheels that are designed to go in the water and make launching easier. The rope used to tie the boat to the trolley is called the painter. The painter can also be used when launching to tie the dinghy to a pontoon.

Single person boats are simpler in layout

To tow your boat on the road you will need a road trailer. The launching trolley usually forms part of this configuration. You should avoid putting road trailers in the water as this can corrode the brakes and suspension.

Launching trolleys make manoeuvring ashore easy

The hull

In the middle of the boat you will have a centreboard, which either pivots and retracts around a pin, or slides up and down, in which case it is called a daggerboard. The centreboard is used to reduce the sideways force that the wind exerts on the sails and will therefore stop the boat slipping sideways. The points of sailing chapter on has more information on this.

Centreboards can pivot up...

Your boat should have at least two buoyancy tanks to keep you afloat. They are designed in such a way that, should one become holed, the boat will still float. The buoyancy tanks form the main body of the hull that you sit on, with an additional tank at the bow of the boat. A seat that runs sideways across the boat is called a thwart. The upper outside edge of the hull is called the gunwale.

... and down around a central pin

Or slide up...

... and down. In this case they are called daggerboards