Stern refers to the back of the ship. Bow refers to the front of the ship. Port is the left-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow (front). Starboard is the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow.
You can also use a product called Windex that will show you where the wind is coming from, but with time, you’ll learn to tell the direction of the wind just by feeling it on your face. [3] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020. Tacking refers to a sailing maneuver in which the sailor(s) turn the bow of the boat through the wind. The wind will change from one side of the vessel to the other side. Jibing refers to a sailing maneuver in which you turn the boat so the bow faces away from the wind. Jibing is not as common as tacking since it can be much harder to do correctly. [4] X Research source
It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes for your own safety. You can buy shirts with sun protection built into them. These are often sold at sportswear stores or can be found online. If you are crewing a boat or sailing your own small vessel, wear clothes that can get wet, such as spandex or Lycra. These are usually materials used in swimwear. There are also websites that specialize in selling sailing gear, such as SailingWorld. com.
It is usually not possible to begin sailing without a course, as most sailing centers won’t allow you to take out their vessels without either taking a course from them or demonstrating your sailing knowledge. The best way to get confident at sailing is to commit a lot of time to it. It’s a lifelong process, because no matter how long you’ve been on the water, there’s always something new to learn. [7] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
Even if you are going to meet your sailing instructor, notify a third party of your plans. Always have a float plan before you leave the dock. Know where you’re going to sail, and about how long you plan to be gone, and give that information to your contact on shore. Also, be sure to include the names of everyone who will be on board. [8] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
