Sailing, Water

For those who love the feel of the wind sweeping their face and gliding along on large expanse of water then Sailing is the sport for you.

Sailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with the help of sails. For sailing sail boats of various sizes are used .The sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the vessel on the surface of water and to change its direction and speed. For sailing to be done correctly one needs varied experience in sailing and dealing with various wind and sea conditions. As simple as this activity looks it’s equally difficult.

Sailing is for all kinds of people and it doesn’t matter whether they are experts or novices at this. But before you can enjoy the satisfaction that comes from steering a boat around a harbor by yourself, it’s important that you understand the basic principles of sailing.

We have collected a few nuggets of wisdom on some Sailing tips. Finding your way is the other important aspect of sailing. The angle of sail is the difference between the direction your boat is heading and the direction of the wind. Different angles of sail, called points of sail, change as your boat changes course, and the sails must be adjusted to harness the wind as efficiently as possible. Though wind is invisible it is very important to be aware of the strength and direction of the wind in order to harness its energy efficiently and sail safely.

There are many different ways to tell the direction of the wind. Wind blowing across the water causes friction on the surface, forming small ripples perpendicular to the direction of the wind. It’s very difficult to determine the wind’s direction by looking at the water’s surface but it’s the most accurate method. Other helpful indications are flags, smoke, and other sailboats.

Learning the basics of sailing is easy, but becoming truly expert can take years. There’s always something more to learn, and once you catch the sailing bug you’ll want to learn it all.

Initially choose calm, uncrowded waters If you’re just starting to master sailing basics and learn how to sail, then one of the most important beginner sailing tips to remember is to practice in ideal conditions of light winds and low traffic.  As a beginner choose a small boat to learn how to sail .It’s easier to learn how to sail with fewer lines and sails. A small dinghy will be more responsive and easier to maneuver than a big sail boat.

Once you start sailing it is also important for you to follow sailing basics for safety. Don’t venture into water without a floatation device and tubes etc. It is mandatory for a person to know swimming before going sailing.

Make it a point to research tide, wind and weather conditions. Be prepared about changes in weather conditions so that atleast you are prepared for any kind of eventuality. Adequate spare clothing and food should be carried with you whenever you go sailing.

One needs to be familiar with sail control. To have a smooth sailing experience one should be able to adjust sail settings to take the best advantage of different wind and water conditions. In general, sails should be relatively flat when the wind is either very light or very strong, and full when there is a moderate wind. 

There are number of places where one can enroll for short sailing courses. India has some beautiful camps and locations for sailing.

So be prepared to float on the water!