2. Introduction
Sailing is the act of pushing a vehicle (usually a boat)
using wind power
Sailing is the oldest form of transportation developed
by mankind
Sailing has long been the backbone for travel, fishing,
warfare and trade.
3. History of Sailing
Sailing has been crucial in the development of
civilization by providing people with the opportunity
to travel across seas
Sailboats can be dated back to 5500 B.C.
Major advancements made in the Middle Ages by
European explorers, Indians, and the Chinese
Throughout history sailing has contributed to several
world changing explorations, warfare, and has
promoted international trade
4. Basic Parts of a Sailboat
Propulsion
Main Sail: the main sail is the biggest of all the sails, usually
located in the center of the boat. This sail creates the most
power
Mast: the mast is what holds the mail sail up (vertical)and
helps create the shape of the sail
Boom: like the mast the boom helps create the shape of the
sail (horizontal)
Mainsheet: this sheet (rope) helps control the mainsail
Pulling in the rope will bring the sail closer in; letting the
rope out will let the sail out
Jib: the jib is the sail that is located in the front of the boat.
This sail is much simpler and provides less power for the boat
5. Basic Parts of a Sailboat
Steering
Rudder: the rudder is what
allows a captain to steer the boat
Rudder comes in several different
forms that are specific to the type
of boat
Keel: the keel is the large piece of
the boat that is below the water
The keel helps keep the boat from
drifting off course (or sliding) and
also prevents the boat from
capsizing
This picture provides an excellent
example of what a modern day rudder
and keel look like. Rudder is towards the
back and keel is placed in the center of
the boat.
6. We’ve learned all the basic parts of
a Sailboat. Now its time to learn
how to Sail!
7. How to Sail: The Science Behind it
How the boat moves
When wind pushes against the sails
of a boat it creates a force. If the
sails a properly oriented in regards
to the direction of the wind, the
boat will move forward
By adjusting the sails based on what
direction the wind is coming from
and what direction the boat is
moving, will determine how fast the
boat will move
The one direction that a sailboat
cannot go is directly into the wind.
8. How to Sail: The Science Behind it
Adjusting the sails to make the boat go faster or slower
Depending on which direction the wind is coming from will
determine the position of your sail
The closer up-wind you are heading, typically the faster the boat will
go while the more down-wind you are heading the slower you will go
This is because there is a greater force exerted upon the sail
“Up-wind”: refers to the direction the wind is coming from; the
closer up-wind you are heading, the closer to the direction of the
wind you are
“Down-wind”: this means that you are heading directly away from
the direction of the wind; the wind is at your back
A general rule of thumb: the tighter your sails are in relationship to
their location based on the direction of the wind the faster the boat
will travel and vice versa
9. How to Sail: The Science Behind it
This diagram is an
excellent
representation of
where your sails
should be located in
relation to where the
wind is coming from
10. Sailing Today
Even with todays modern advances
in technology, sailing is still very
prevalent. In many third world
countries, sailing is still used as a
main source of transportation and
trade. In many modern countries
sailing consists of racing and
recreational sailing.
Racing: Today sail boat racing has
become a major sport that attracts
millions of viewers
Main Races include the Race to
Bermuda and the America’s Cup
which attracts multi-million dollar
boats.
11. Sailing Today
Sailing is both a sport and a
hobby that is enjoyed by millions
of people across the world.
Dating back to 5500 B.C. it is one
of the oldest hobbies and past
times in history. Whether just for
fun or for competition, I truly
wish that everyone has a chance
to enjoy this great sport at one
point or another in their life
