NEW to sailing? Information, more than you need!
I've added a load of links below, watching them will likely be useful but certainly not a prerequisite – the best way to learn to sail is on the water. For the really serious I could lend out books, they definitely help with sleep if nothing else. Once people have some on the water experience I’ll have those interested round to watch videos on more advanced sailing.
Equipment
I wouldn't recommend buying any equipment unless you intend on sailing multiple times. You probably have stuff lying around that will do pretty well until you decide to get more serious.
- Water bottle, snack. I might sneak some beer on board for when we’re back at the dock.
- Wintertime
- Warm windproof clothes. Bundle up warm and can take things off as needed.
- Dress for snow and expect to get wet, it probably won’t happen but you’ll be happier about planning ahead if it does.
- Even if a sunny day expect it to be cold
- What I’ll be bringing, even if sunny on a winters day:
- Waterproof pants (more like waders really) worn over full length pants
- Waterproof boots with nice thick socks
- TShirt and Fleece / rain-jacket if rain seems likely
- In summer time for day sailing
- See winter time but add shorts!
- Summertime in San Diego we typically sail in two seasons
- Upwind and chilly
- Downwind and sweaty
- Over 12 knots of wind
- Expect waves and some spray.
- Over 20 knots of wind
- Lots of spray, hold onto the seat of your pants!
- Gloves
Not essential, but they are nice!
- Essential. Need to have hardworking palms. Sailing gloves are best (go figure). You want the first finger at least cutaway.
- $20 bucks at West Marine in Oceanside for your own
- Cycling gloves would work, though they might get worn hard.
- I (sometimes) have some spares on the boat
- Shoes.
- Ideal shoes are designed for sailing but anything with good grip works. Preferable if they are “non marking”, the decks are white.
- Crocs are waterproof are non-marking and have excellent grip!
- Range of more nautical options here
- These are cheap and effective @$20
- Barefoot is normally viable here, but possibly chilly!
Preparation
If you have any concerns about your stomach don’t get drunk the night before, or smoke a cigar if you don’t normally smoke
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods - Tomatoes, strawberries etc.
- Do eat simple plain food. You'll need energy!
Sailing info
- YouTube vids on basics
- How a sail works
- Trimming the mainsail
- Basic idea is we trim sails in until they stop flapping but no further. Once we’ve got that we’ll work on getting better trim to drive the boat faster and more comfortably.
- The headsail
- ppconsultant has some pretty useful videos.
- Using a winch
- Always go clockwise looking down!
- We’ll do this a bit differently, just one turn on the winch until there is pressure, then more wraps.
- We’ll have people assigned to port, and people assigned to starboard
- Fixing the boat to the dock at the end of the day!
- How to sail!
- More advanced:
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