Some sailing basics for first-timers

Most seasoned sailors will be quick to get poetic and tell you that what’s special about sailing is the connection you make with nature. When you’re in that perfect moment, it can feel spiritual: The entire world seems to go all quiet, and all you can hear is the passing breeze and the hull moving across the water. But before we get too sentimental, you need to first find yourself at sea and get going (or cruising). Below are some tips for beginners, courtesy of seasoned sailing enthusiast James Feldkamp.
Image source: popularmechanics.com

Image source: asa.com
First, if it’s within your capacity, go join a sailing workshop. The top two certifying bodies in the U.S. are U.S. Sailing and the American Sailing Association. There are, of course, hundreds more spread across the country, with beginner courses usually conducted during the weekends at an average rate of $500 per student.

One common question that first-time sailors ask is, “What should one do when there’s a violent gust of wind?” The answer is to simply to turn into the wind to stop the boat. Even though the boat may lean or heel, the boat won’t necessarily capsize, thanks to the ballast below the hull.

Managing the sails do take much strength, but sailors have tools like winches and pulleys. While racing demands much more focus and understanding of the literal and figurative sailing craft, anybody can go sailing if they put their mind into it. You will initially get seasick but sailing close to shore and seeing land should help in the beginning.

Finally, make sure you are appropriately dressed for the occasion. You don’t have to look like the stereotypical sailor depicted in movies wearing a cable-knit sweater and donning a Popeye pipe. You just need a sturdy windbreaker, a pair of non-marking deck shoes, polarized sunglasses, and heavy-duty gloves, adds James Feldkamp.

James Feldkamp was a student of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy before becoming a special agent focusing on international terrorism and foreign counterintelligence. He is a sailing enthusiast and is part of the 2019-2020 Clipper Round the World race. Visit this blog for similar posts.

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