sailing on yachts

• The Complete Guide to Sailing: From Boats to Yachts and Basic Techniques

Ahoy, sailor-to-be! Ever stared into the endless blue sea and wondered how incredible it would be to navigate through the waves, sails hoisted up, and the wind in your hair? You're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about sailing. Let's hoist the sails and dive right in!

What is Sailing?

Sailing is the art and skill of controlling a boat or a ship by managing its sails. It's a beautiful blend of engineering and elemental nature, where you work with the wind to propel your vessel forward. Kind of like a dance with the elements, wouldn't you say?

Types of Sailing Vessels

There are various types of vessels to consider when sailing. Each comes with its own unique features and benefits.

These are the divas of the sailing world. Luxurious, often equipped with a full crew, and definitely pricey. Yachts are for those who want to sail in style and comfort.

The everyman's choice for sailing. They're more compact and less complex than yachts, making them ideal for beginners. And let's be honest, there's a certain romantic charm in sailing a small boat.

These are the giants of the sea. Ships are mostly commercial vessels that require a significant amount of skill and crew to operate.

Essential Sailing Terms

Ever heard of "luffing," "tacking," or "gybing?" Sailing comes with its own language, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the terms.

How Sails Work

Understanding how sails work is like understanding the heartbeat of your boat.

This is the primary sail that catches most of the wind. It's like the engine of a car, but powered by nature.

These are secondary sails that catch the wind that the main sail doesn't. Think of it as the supporting actor that steals the show sometimes.

Points of Sail

Knowing your points of sail is like knowing your dance moves in this elemental waltz with the wind.

Close-hauled

This is when your boat sails as close to the wind as possible. It's a bit like driving uphill in a car.

This is when the wind comes from the side of your boat. It's the most comfortable point of sail and similar to cruising on a flat road.

Broad Reach

This is when you're sailing away from the wind. Imagine going downhill with your car; it's easy and fast.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

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How to Sail

So, you're itching to get out there on the water? Let's cover the basics of how to sail.

Sailing for Beginners

You don't have to be an old sea dog to start sailing. Start small, maybe with a dinghy or a small sailboat. The simpler your vessel, the faster you'll learn the ropes. Think of it as riding a bicycle before you try a motorbike.

Sailing Basics

Understanding the wind direction, knowing how to hoist and lower the sails, and basic steering—these are your ABCs. It's like learning to walk; you've got to start with baby steps.

How to Sail a Boat

To sail a boat, you need to know how to work with your main sail and your jib, how to tack (change direction), and how to use your rudder for steering. It's like driving a car but with many more variables at play.

How to Sail a Yacht

Yacht sailing is a bit more complex, often involving advanced navigation systems, multiple sails, and sometimes even a crew. Think of it as going from riding a bicycle to piloting a jet—you'll need more training, but boy, is it worth it!

Sailing Gear and Equipment

Gearing up is an essential part of sailing. The right equipment can make or break your experience on the water.

Sails for Sailboats

Choosing the right sails is crucial. Materials like Dacron are commonly used for durability and performance. It's like picking the right pair of running shoes.

Sailing Gear

Besides sails, you'll need life jackets, ropes, and possibly a wetsuit. Think of this as your survival kit—you wouldn't go camping without a tent, right?

Sides of a Ship

Port, starboard, bow, stern—the sides of a ship have specific names, and knowing them is crucial for communication and safety. It's like knowing your left from your right; basic but vital.

Sailing Pictures: A Visual Journey

Photography and sailing go together like peanut butter and jelly. Capturing those moments of serenity or adrenaline on the open water is a joy in itself. Ever thought of how a picture is worth a thousand words?

101 Cruises: A Different Kind of Sailing

Cruise ships offer a more laid-back, luxurious form of sailing. While not for everyone, it's like the all-inclusive resort of the sea.

The Importance of Sailing Instructions

Don't underestimate the value of good instruction, be it from sailing schools, books, or experienced sailors. It's like having a mentor in any field—priceless.

Small Sailing Adventures

Who says you need a yacht for an adventure? Small boats can provide just as much excitement. It's like taking a road trip on a motorcycle instead of a luxury RV—both have their own kind of thrill.

Sailing Jib: An Important Component

The jib is more than just a secondary sail; it helps with steering and speed. Consider it the spice in a well-cooked meal; it enhances the experience.

Sailing is a beautiful, multifaceted world filled with opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and even a new lifestyle. Whether you're into small boats, luxurious yachts, or the technical aspects like sails and points of sail, there's something for everyone. Ready to set sail?

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite  sailing destinations.

FAQs: Embarking on Your Sailing Journey

A small dinghy or a basic sailboat is generally the best for beginners.

The choice often depends on the type of sailing you'll be doing and your level of expertise.

It's strongly recommended to get some basic training or instructions before setting sail.

At the very least, you'll need sails, ropes, and life jackets.

The point of sail refers to the boat's direction relative to the wind.

I am ready to help you with booking a boat for your dream vacation. Contact me.

Denisa Nguyenová

The Ultimate Guide to Sail Types and Rigs (with Pictures)

What's that sail for? Generally, I don't know. So I've come up with a system. I'll explain you everything there is to know about sails and rigs in this article.

What are the different types of sails? Most sailboats have one mainsail and one headsail. Typically, the mainsail is a fore-and-aft bermuda rig (triangular shaped). A jib or genoa is used for the headsail. Most sailors use additional sails for different conditions: the spinnaker (a common downwind sail), gennaker, code zero (for upwind use), and stormsail.

Each sail has its own use. Want to go downwind fast? Use a spinnaker. But you can't just raise any sail and go for it. It's important to understand when (and how) to use each sail. Your rigging also impacts what sails you can use.

On this page:

Different sail types, the sail plan of a bermuda sloop, mainsail designs, headsail options, specialty sails, complete overview of sail uses, mast configurations and rig types.

This article is part 1 of my series on sails and rig types. Part 2 is all about the different types of rigging. If you want to learn to identify every boat you see quickly, make sure to read it. It really explains the different sail plans and types of rigging clearly.

Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)

First I'll give you a quick and dirty overview of sails in this list below. Then, I'll walk you through the details of each sail type, and the sail plan, which is the godfather of sail type selection so to speak.

Click here if you just want to scroll through a bunch of pictures .

Here's a list of different models of sails: (Don't worry if you don't yet understand some of the words, I'll explain all of them in a bit)

• Jib - triangular staysail
• Genoa - large jib that overlaps the mainsail
• Spinnaker - large balloon-shaped downwind sail for light airs
• Gennaker - crossover between a Genoa and Spinnaker
• Code Zero or Screecher - upwind spinnaker
• Drifter or reacher - a large, powerful, hanked on genoa, but made from lightweight fabric
• Windseeker - tall, narrow, high-clewed, and lightweight jib
• Trysail - smaller front-and-aft mainsail for heavy weather
• Storm jib - small jib for heavy weather

I have a big table below that explains the sail types and uses in detail .

I know, I know ... this list is kind of messy, so to understand each sail, let's place them in a system.

The first important distinction between sail types is the placement . The mainsail is placed aft of the mast, which simply means behind. The headsail is in front of the mast.

Generally, we have three sorts of sails on our boat:

• Mainsail: The large sail behind the mast which is attached to the mast and boom
• Headsail: The small sail in front of the mast, attached to the mast and forestay (ie. jib or genoa)
• Specialty sails: Any special utility sails, like spinnakers - large, balloon-shaped sails for downwind use

The second important distinction we need to make is the functionality . Specialty sails (just a name I came up with) each have different functionalities and are used for very specific conditions. So they're not always up, but most sailors carry one or more of these sails.

They are mostly attached in front of the headsail, or used as a headsail replacement.

The specialty sails can be divided into three different categories:

• downwind sails - like a spinnaker
• light air or reacher sails - like a code zero
• storm sails

The parts of any sail

Whether large or small, each sail consists roughly of the same elements. For clarity's sake I've took an image of a sail from the world wide webs and added the different part names to it:

• Head: Top of the sail
• Tack: Lower front corner of the sail
• Foot: Bottom of the sail
• Luff: Forward edge of the sail
• Leech: Back edge of the sail
• Clew: Bottom back corner of the sail

So now we speak the same language, let's dive into the real nitty gritty.

Basic sail shapes

Roughly speaking, there are actually just two sail shapes, so that's easy enough. You get to choose from:

• square rigged sails
• fore-and-aft rigged sails

I would definitely recommend fore-and-aft rigged sails. Square shaped sails are pretty outdated. The fore-and-aft rig offers unbeatable maneuverability, so that's what most sailing yachts use nowadays.

Square sails were used on Viking longships and are good at sailing downwind. They run from side to side. However, they're pretty useless upwind.

A fore-and-aft sail runs from the front of the mast to the stern. Fore-and-aft literally means 'in front and behind'. Boats with fore-and-aft rigged sails are better at sailing upwind and maneuvering in general. This type of sail was first used on Arabic boats.

As a beginner sailor I confuse the type of sail with rigging all the time. But I should cut myself some slack, because the rigging and sails on a boat are very closely related. They are all part of the sail plan .

A sail plan is made up of:

• Mast configuration - refers to the number of masts and where they are placed
• Sail type - refers to the sail shape and functionality
• Rig type - refers to the way these sails are set up on your boat

There are dozens of sails and hundreds of possible configurations (or sail plans).

For example, depending on your mast configuration, you can have extra headsails (which then are called staysails).

The shape of the sails depends on the rigging, so they overlap a bit. To keep it simple I'll first go over the different sail types based on the most common rig. I'll go over the other rig types later in the article.

Bermuda Sloop: the most common rig

Most modern small and mid-sized sailboats have a Bermuda sloop configuration . The sloop is one-masted and has two sails, which are front-and-aft rigged. This type of rig is also called a Marconi Rig. The Bermuda rig uses a triangular sail, with just one side of the sail attached to the mast.

The mainsail is in use most of the time. It can be reefed down, making it smaller depending on the wind conditions. It can be reefed down completely, which is more common in heavy weather. (If you didn't know already: reefing is skipper terms for rolling or folding down a sail.)

In very strong winds (above 30 knots), most sailors only use the headsail or switch to a trysail.

The headsail powers your bow, the mainsail powers your stern (rear). By having two sails, you can steer by using only your sails (in theory - it requires experience). In any case, two sails gives you better handling than one, but is still easy to operate.

Let's get to the actual sails. The mainsail is attached behind the mast and to the boom, running to the stern. There are multiple designs, but they actually don't differ that much. So the following list is a bit boring. Feel free to skip it or quickly glance over it.

• Square Top racing mainsail - has a high performance profile thanks to the square top, optional reef points
• Racing mainsail - made for speed, optional reef points
• Cruising mainsail - low-maintenance, easy to use, made to last. Generally have one or multiple reef points.
• Full-Batten Cruising mainsail - cruising mainsail with better shape control. Eliminates flogging. Full-length battens means the sail is reinforced over the entire length. Generally have one or multiple reef points.
• High Roach mainsail - crossover between square top racing and cruising mainsail, used mostly on cats and multihulls. Generally have one or multiple reef points.
• Mast Furling mainsail - sails specially made to roll up inside the mast - very convenient but less control; of sail shape. Have no reef points
• Boom Furling mainsail - sails specially made to roll up inside the boom. Have no reef points.

The headsail is the front sail in a front-and-aft rig. The sail is fixed on a stay (rope, wire or rod) which runs forward to the deck or bowsprit. It's almost always triangular (Dutch fishermen are known to use rectangular headsail). A triangular headsail is also called a jib .

Headsails can be attached in two ways:

• using roller furlings - the sail rolls around the headstay
• hank on - fixed attachment

Types of jibs:

Typically a sloop carries a regular jib as its headsail. It can also use a genoa.

• A jib is a triangular staysail set in front of the mast. It's the same size as the fore-triangle.
• A genoa is a large jib that overlaps the mainsail.

What's the purpose of a jib sail? A jib is used to improve handling and to increase sail area on a sailboat. This helps to increase speed. The jib gives control over the bow (front) of the ship, making it easier to maneuver the ship. The mainsail gives control over the stern of the ship. The jib is the headsail (frontsail) on a front-and-aft rig.

The size of the jib is generally indicated by a number - J1, 2, 3, and so on. The number tells us the attachment point. The order of attachment points may differ per sailmaker, so sometimes J1 is the largest jib (on the longest stay) and sometimes it's the smallest (on the shortest stay). Typically the J1 jib is the largest - and the J3 jib the smallest.

Most jibs are roller furling jibs: this means they are attached to a stay and can be reefed down single-handedly. If you have a roller furling you can reef down the jib to all three positions and don't need to carry different sizes.

Originally called the 'overlapping jib', the leech of the genoa extends aft of the mast. This increases speed in light and moderate winds. A genoa is larger than the total size of the fore-triangle. How large exactly is indicated by a percentage.

• A number 1 genoa is typically 155% (it used to be 180%)
• A number 2 genoa is typically 125-140%

Genoas are typically made from 1.5US/oz polyester spinnaker cloth, or very light laminate.

This is where it gets pretty interesting. You can use all kinds of sails to increase speed, handling, and performance for different weather conditions.

Some rules of thumb:

• Large sails are typically good for downwind use, small sails are good for upwind use.
• Large sails are good for weak winds (light air), small sails are good for strong winds (storms).

Downwind sails

Thanks to the front-and-aft rig sailboats are easier to maneuver, but they catch less wind as well. Downwind sails are used to offset this by using a large sail surface, pulling a sailboat downwind. They can be hanked on when needed and are typically balloon shaped.

Here are the most common downwind sails:

• Big gennaker
• Small gennaker

A free-flying sail that fills up with air, giving it a balloon shape. Spinnakers are generally colorful, which is why they look like kites. This downwind sail has the largest sail area, and it's capable of moving a boat with very light wind. They are amazing to use on trade wind routes, where they can help you make quick progress.

Spinnakers require special rigging. You need a special pole and track on your mast. You attach the sail at three points: in the mast head using a halyard, on a pole, and on a sheet.

The spinnaker is symmetrical, meaning the luff is as long as its leech. It's designed for broad reaching.

Gennaker or cruising spinnaker

The Gennaker is a cross between the genoa and the spinnaker. It has less downwind performance than the spinnaker. It is a bit smaller, making it slower, but also easier to handle - while it remains very capable. The cruising spinnaker is designed for broad reaching.

The gennaker is a smaller, asymmetric spinnaker that's doesn't require a pole or track on the mast. Like the spinnaker, and unlike the genoa, the gennaker is set flying. Asymmetric means its luff is longer than its leech.

You can get big and small gennakers (roughly 75% and 50% the size of a true spinnaker).

Also called ...

• the cruising spinnaker
• cruising chute
• pole-less spinnaker
• SpinDrifter

... it's all the same sail.

Light air sails

There's a bit of overlap between the downwind sails and light air sails. Downwind sails can be used as light air sails, but not all light air sails can be used downwind.

Here are the most common light air sails:

• Spinnaker and gennaker

Drifter reacher

Code zero reacher.

A drifter (also called a reacher) is a lightweight, larger genoa for use in light winds. It's roughly 150-170% the size of a genoa. It's made from very lightweight laminated spinnaker fabric (1.5US/oz).

Thanks to the extra sail area the sail offers better downwind performance than a genoa. It's generally made from lightweight nylon. Thanks to it's genoa characteristics the sail is easier to use than a cruising spinnaker.

The code zero reacher is officially a type of spinnaker, but it looks a lot like a large genoa. And that's exactly what it is: a hybrid cross between the genoa and the asymmetrical spinnaker (gennaker). The code zero however is designed for close reaching, making it much flatter than the spinnaker. It's about twice the size of a non-overlapping jib.

A windseeker is a small, free-flying staysail for super light air. It's tall and thin. It's freestanding, so it's not attached to the headstay. The tack attaches to a deck pad-eye. Use your spinnakers' halyard to raise it and tension the luff.

It's made from nylon or polyester spinnaker cloth (0.75 to 1.5US/oz).

It's designed to guide light air onto the lee side of the main sail, ensuring a more even, smooth flow of air.

Stormsails are stronger than regular sails, and are designed to handle winds of over 45 knots. You carry them to spare the mainsail. Sails

A storm jib is a small triangular staysail for use in heavy weather. If you participate in offshore racing you need a mandatory orange storm jib. It's part of ISAF's requirements.

A trysail is a storm replacement for the mainsail. It's small, triangular, and it uses a permanently attached pennant. This allows it to be set above the gooseneck. It's recommended to have a separate track on your mast for it - you don't want to fiddle around when you actually really need it to be raised ... now.

Why Use Different Sails At All?

You could just get the largest furling genoa and use it on all positions. So why would you actually use different types of sails?

The main answer to that is efficiency . Some situations require other characteristics.

Having a deeply reefed genoa isn't as efficient as having a small J3. The reef creates too much draft in the sail, which increases heeling. A reefed down mainsail in strong winds also increases heeling. So having dedicated (storm) sails is probably a good thing, especially if you're planning more demanding passages or crossings.

But it's not just strong winds, but also light winds that can cause problems. Heavy sails will just flap around like laundry in very light air. So you need more lightweight fabrics to get you moving.

What Are Sails Made Of?

The most used materials for sails nowadays are:

• Dacron - woven polyester
• woven nylon
• laminated fabrics - increasingly popular

Sails used to be made of linen. As you can imagine, this is terrible material on open seas. Sails were rotting due to UV and saltwater. In the 19th century linen was replaced by cotton.

It was only in the 20th century that sails were made from synthetic fibers, which were much stronger and durable. Up until the 1980s most sails were made from Dacron. Nowadays, laminates using yellow aramids, Black Technora, carbon fiber and Spectra yarns are more and more used.

Laminates are as strong as Dacron, but a lot lighter - which matters with sails weighing up to 100 kg (220 pounds).

By the way: we think that Viking sails were made from wool and leather, which is quite impressive if you ask me.

In this section of the article I give you a quick and dirty summary of different sail plans or rig types which will help you to identify boats quickly. But if you want to really understand it clearly, I really recommend you read part 2 of this series, which is all about different rig types.

You can't simply count the number of masts to identify rig type But you can identify any rig type if you know what to look for. We've created an entire system for recognizing rig types. Let us walk you through it. Read all about sail rig types

As I've said earlier, there are two major rig types: square rigged and fore-and-aft. We can divide the fore-and-aft rigs into three groups:

• Bermuda rig (we have talked about this one the whole time) - has a three-sided mainsail
• Gaff rig - has a four-sided mainsail, the head of the mainsail is guided by a gaff
• Lateen rig - has a three-sided mainsail on a long yard

There are roughly four types of boats:

• one masted boats - sloop, cutter
• two masted boats - ketch, schooner, brig
• three masted - barque
• fully rigged or ship rigged - tall ship

Everything with four masts is called a (tall) ship. I think it's outside the scope of this article, but I have written a comprehensive guide to rigging. I'll leave the three and four-masted rigs for now. If you want to know more, I encourage you to read part 2 of this series.

One-masted rigs

Boats with one mast can have either one sail, two sails, or three or more sails.

The 3 most common one-masted rigs are:

• Cat - one mast, one sail
• Sloop - one mast, two sails
• Cutter - one mast, three or more sails

1. Gaff Cat

2. Gaff Sloop

Two-masted rigs

Two-masted boats can have an extra mast in front or behind the main mast. Behind (aft of) the main mast is called a mizzen mast . In front of the main mast is called a foremast .

The 5 most common two-masted rigs are:

• Lugger - two masts (mizzen), with lugsail (cross between gaff rig and lateen rig) on both masts
• Yawl - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast much taller than mizzen. Mizzen without mainsail.
• Ketch - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller mizzen. Mizzen has mainsail.
• Schooner - two masts (foremast), generally gaff rig on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller foremast. Sometimes build with three masts, up to seven in the age of sail.
• Brig - two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. Main mast carries small lateen rigged sail.

4. Schooner

5. Brigantine

This article is part 1 of a series about sails and rig types If you want to read on and learn to identify any sail plans and rig type, we've found a series of questions that will help you do that quickly. Read all about recognizing rig types

Related Questions

What is the difference between a gennaker & spinnaker? Typically, a gennaker is smaller than a spinnaker. Unlike a spinnaker, a gennaker isn't symmetric. It's asymmetric like a genoa. It is however rigged like a spinnaker; it's not attached to the forestay (like a jib or a genoa). It's a downwind sail, and a cross between the genoa and the spinnaker (hence the name).

What is a Yankee sail? A Yankee sail is a jib with a high-cut clew of about 3' above the boom. A higher-clewed jib is good for reaching and is better in high waves, preventing the waves crash into the jibs foot. Yankee jibs are mostly used on traditional sailboats.

How much does a sail weigh? Sails weigh anywhere between 4.5-155 lbs (2-70 kg). The reason is that weight goes up exponentially with size. Small boats carry smaller sails (100 sq. ft.) made from thinner cloth (3.5 oz). Large racing yachts can carry sails of up to 400 sq. ft., made from heavy fabric (14 oz), totaling at 155 lbs (70 kg).

What's the difference between a headsail and a staysail? The headsail is the most forward of the staysails. A boat can only have one headsail, but it can have multiple staysails. Every staysail is attached to a forward running stay. However, not every staysail is located at the bow. A stay can run from the mizzen mast to the main mast as well.

What is a mizzenmast? A mizzenmast is the mast aft of the main mast (behind; at the stern) in a two or three-masted sailing rig. The mizzenmast is shorter than the main mast. It may carry a mainsail, for example with a ketch or lugger. It sometimes doesn't carry a mainsail, for example with a yawl, allowing it to be much shorter.

Special thanks to the following people for letting me use their quality photos: Bill Abbott - True Spinnaker with pole - CC BY-SA 2.0 lotsemann - Volvo Ocean Race Alvimedica and the Code Zero versus SCA and the J1 - CC BY-SA 2.0 Lisa Bat - US Naval Academy Trysail and Storm Jib dry fit - CC BY-SA 2.0 Mike Powell - White gaff cat - CC BY-SA 2.0 Anne Burgess - Lugger The Reaper at Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Hi, I stumbled upon your page and couldn’t help but notice some mistakes in your description of spinnakers and gennakers. First of all, in the main photo on top of this page the small yacht is sailing a spinnaker, not a gennaker. If you look closely you can see the spinnaker pole standing on the mast, visible between the main and headsail. Further down, the discription of the picture with the two German dinghies is incorrect. They are sailing spinnakers, on a spinnaker pole. In the farthest boat, you can see a small piece of the pole. If needed I can give you the details on the difference between gennakers and spinnakers correctly?

Hi Shawn, I am living in Utrecht I have an old gulf 32 and I am sailing in merkmeer I find your articles very helpful Thanks

Thank you for helping me under stand all the sails there names and what there functions were and how to use them. I am planning to build a trimaran 30’ what would be the best sails to have I plan to be coastal sailing with it. Thank you

Hey Comrade!

Well done with your master piece blogging. Just a small feedback. “The jib gives control over the bow of the ship, making it easier to maneuver the ship. The mainsail gives control over the stern of the ship.” Can you please first tell the different part of a sail boat earlier and then talk about bow and stern later in the paragraph. A reader has no clue on the newly introduced terms. It helps to keep laser focused and not forget main concepts.

Shawn, I am currently reading How to sail around the World” by Hal Roth. Yes, I want to sail around the world. His book is truly grounded in real world experience but like a lot of very knowledgable people discussing their area of expertise, Hal uses a lot of terms that I probably should have known but didn’t, until now. I am now off to read your second article. Thank You for this very enlightening article on Sail types and their uses.

Shawn Buckles

HI CVB, that’s a cool plan. Thanks, I really love to hear that. I’m happy that it was helpful to you and I hope you are of to a great start for your new adventure!

Hi GOWTHAM, thanks for the tip, I sometimes forget I haven’t specified the new term. I’ve added it to the article.

Nice article and video; however, you’re mixing up the spinnaker and the gennaker.

A started out with a question. What distinguishes a brig from a schooner? Which in turn led to follow-up questions: I know there are Bermuda rigs and Latin rig, are there more? Which in turn led to further questions, and further, and further… This site answers them all. Wonderful work. Thank you.

Great post and video! One thing was I was surprised how little you mentioned the Ketch here and not at all in the video or chart, and your sample image is a large ship with many sails. Some may think Ketch’s are uncommon, old fashioned or only for large boats. Actually Ketch’s are quite common for cruisers and live-aboards, especially since they often result in a center cockpit layout which makes for a very nice aft stateroom inside. These are almost exclusively the boats we are looking at, so I was surprised you glossed over them.

Love the article and am finding it quite informative.

While I know it may seem obvious to 99% of your readers, I wish you had defined the terms “upwind” and “downwind.” I’m in the 1% that isn’t sure which one means “with the wind” (or in the direction the wind is blowing) and which one means “against the wind” (or opposite to the way the wind is blowing.)

paul adriaan kleimeer

like in all fields of syntax and terminology the terms are colouual meaning local and then spead as the technology spread so an history lesson gives a floral bouque its colour and in the case of notical terms span culture and history adds an detail that bring reverence to the study simply more memorable.

Hi, I have a small yacht sail which was left in my lock-up over 30 years ago I basically know nothing about sails and wondered if you could spread any light as to the make and use of said sail. Someone said it was probably originally from a Wayfayer wooden yacht but wasn’t sure. Any info would be must appreciated and indeed if would be of any use to your followers? I can provide pics but don’t see how to include them at present

kind regards

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Ever wondered what type of sailboat you're looking at? Identifying sailboats isn't hard, you just have to know what to look for. In this article, I'll help you.

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How to Sail a Boat

Last Updated: May 13, 2022 Approved

This article was co-authored by Nitzan Levy . Captain Nitzan Levy is a Sailor, Social Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Sailors NYC, a recreational sailors’ club based in Jersey City, New Jersey that specializes in cruising boats and a variety of community programs. Capt. Levy has over 20 years of sailing experience and has sailed in many places around the world including: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, The Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Capt. Levy is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master of vessels up to 50 Tons with Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing Endorsements. Capt. Levy is also a NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor, an American National Standards Assessor, an SLC instructor, an ASA (American Sailing Association) Certified Instructor Bareboat Chartering, and an Israeli licensed skipper on Boats for International Voyages. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 25 testimonials and 92% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 976,728 times.

For centuries, the sea has captured the spirits of sailors and adventurers all over the world. In his poem "Sea Fever", John Masefield claimed that all he needed was "a tall ship and a star to steer her by" to feel complete. Breaking into the sailing world can be challenging, but this article will help guide you through the ebb and flood of the nautical world. As a note, this article will help get you started, but it cannot be overstated that before you begin, have an experienced sailor show you the standing and running rigging on your boat and their functions before you venture out on the water on your own.

Gaining a Basic Knowledge of Sailing

• Block: This is the nautical term for a pulley.
• Boom: The horizontal support for the foot of the mainsail which extends aft of the mast. This is what you want to watch out for when changing directions in a sailboat. It can give you quite a wallop on the head if it hits you.
• Bow: This is what the front of the boat is called.
• Centerboard: This is a (usually fiberglass) plate that pivots from the bottom of the keel in some boats and is used to balance the boat when under sail.
• Cleat: Cleats are what lines (or ropes) get fastened to when they need to be kept tight.
• Halyard: Lines that raise or lower the sails. (Along with the sheets, aka running rigging.)
• Hull: The hull is the body of the boat and consists of everything below the deck.
• Jib: This is the sail at the bow of the boat. The jib helps propel the boat forward.
• Genoa: A foresail which is larger than a jib.
• Keel: The keel is what prevents a boat from sliding sideways ("making leeway") in whatever way the wind is blowing and stabilizes the boat.
• Line: Lines are ropes. They are everywhere on boats. There is only one "rope" on a sailboat, the bolt rope which runs along the foot of the mainsail.
• Mainsail: As the name implies, this is the mainsail of the boat. It is the sail attached to the back of the mast.
• Mast: The mast is a large, vertical pole that holds the sails up. Some boats have more than one mast.
• Painter: This is a line positioned at the front of small boats. It is used to tie the boat to a dock or another boat.
• Rudder: The rudder is how the boat is steered. It is movable so that when you turn the wheel or tiller, the rudder directs the boat in the direction you would like the boat to go.
• Sheets: The lines that control the sails. (aka running rigging.)
• Spinnaker: The usually brightly colored sail used when sailing downwind or across the wind.
• Stays and Shrouds: Some wires make sure the mast stays upright, even in very heavy winds. (aka standing rigging.)
• Stern: This is the term for the back of the boat.
• Tiller: The tiller is a stick attached to the rudder and is used to control the rudder.
• Transom: This is what we would call the butt of the boat. It is the back part of the boat that is perpendicular to its centerline.
• Wheel: The wheel works the rudder, steering the boat.
• Winch: Winches help tighten the sheets and halyards. When these lines are wrapped around a winch (in a clockwise direction), a sailor can turn the winch with a winch handle, providing mechanical advantage which makes it easier to bring in the lines.

• Sloop : Sloops are the most common type of sailboat (when you think of a sailboat this is probably the one you picture in your mind.) It has a single mast and is rigged up with a jib in the front and a mainsail attached to the back of the mast. They can range in size and are ideal for sailing upwind.
• Catboat : A Catboat has a mast set up near the front of the boat and is a single-sail boat. They are small (or large, for that matter) and easily operated by one or two people.
• Cutter : Cutters have one mast with two sails in the front and a mainsail on the back of the mast. These boats are meant for small crews or groups of people and can be handled relatively easily.
• Ketch : A Ketch has two masts, with the second mast called the mizzen mast. The mizzen is shorter than the mainmast and is in front of the rudder.
• Yawl : Yawls are similar to ketches with the difference being that their mizzen masts are located behind the rudder. The reason for this placement is that the mizzen on yawls is for keeping balance, rather than for moving the boat forward.
• Schooner : Schooners are large sailboats with two or more masts. The mast in the back of the boat is either taller or equal in height to the mast at the front of the ship. Schooners have been used to commercially fish, transport goods and as warships.

• Port: When you are facing the bow (the front of the boat) the side to your left is the port side.
• Starboard: Starboard is the right side of the boat when facing the bow.
• Windward: As the name might imply, windward is the direction from which the wind is blowing, upwind.
• Leeward: This is also called ‘Lee’. This is the direction to which the wind is blowing, downwind.
• Tacking: Tacking is when you turn the bow of the boat through the wind so that the wind switches from one side of the boat to the other. This is when you most need to be mindful of the boom, as the boom will swing from one side of the boat to the other when you tack (you don’t want to be in its way when it does that.)
• Gybing (Jibing): This is the opposite of tacking, which means that it is when you turn the stern (or back) of the boat through the wind so that wind shifts to the other side of the boat. This is a more dangerous maneuver in a strong breeze than tacking since the boat's sails are always fully powered by the wind, and may react violently to the change in the orientation of the boat to the wind. Care must be exercised to control the boom during this maneuver as serious injury is a possibility if the boom travels across the cockpit uncontrolled.
• Luffing: This is when the sails begin to flap and lose drive caused by steering the boat into wind or easing (loosening) sheets.

Preparing The Boat

• Check the lines ( running rigging ) that raise and control the sails ( halyards and sheets respectively). Make sure that they are separated, not wrapped around each other or fouled on anything else, and that they all have a figure-eight knot or other stopper knot on the free ( bitter ) end so they cannot pull through the mast or sheaves.
• Pull all lines out of their cleats and off their winches. There should be nothing binding any line; all should be free to move and be clear at this point.
• If you have a topping lift—a small line that holds the back of the boom up and out of the way when the sail isn't in use—let it out until the boom sags downward freely, then re-tie or re-cleat it. Watch out for the boom; it's just swinging around at this point; it will cause a painful "clunk" if it happens to hit you or your crew. The boom will return to its normal, horizontal position when you hoist the mainsail completely.
• If so equipped, be sure that the tiller is properly attached to and controls the rudder. Your sailboat is now prepared for you to hoist the sails!

• If your boat doesn't have a windex, tie a couple of nine-inch pieces of old cassette tape, VHS tape, or oiled yarn to the shrouds—the rigging cables that hold up the mast. Place them on each side, about four feet up from the sides of the boat. These will show you from which direction the wind is blowing, although some sailors find cassette tape to be just too sensitive for this purpose.

• If your boat has a motor, use the motor to keep the boat pointed into the wind while you hoist sail.
• Here's a handy tip: if the water is not deep at your dock, or if you have no side pier, walk the boat out away from the dock and anchor it into the sand, and the boat will automatically point itself into the direction of the wind!

Hoisting The Sails

• There will be a small line ( outhaul ) attaching the rear corner of the mainsail ( clew ) to the end of the boom. Pull it so the foot of the main is taut, and cleat. This helps the mainsail have a smooth shape for the air flowing over it.
• Hoist the mainsail by pulling down on its halyard until it stops. It will be flapping around ( luffing ) like crazy, but that's OK for a short period of time. (Excessive luffing will drastically reduce the life and durability of the sail).
• The leading edge of the sail ( luff ) must be tight enough to remove folds, but not so tight as to create vertical creases in the sail.
• There will be a cleat in the vicinity of the halyard where it comes down from the top of the mast. Cleat the halyard. Using the jib halyard, raise the front sail ( jib , genoa or simply the headsail ), and cleat the halyard off. Both sails will be luffing freely now. Sails are always raised mainsail first, then the jib, because it's easier to point the boat into the wind using the main.

• Turn the boat to the left ( port ) or right ( starboard ) so it's about 90 degrees off the wind. This is known as a beam reach .
• Pull on the main sheet ( trimming ) until the sail is around 45 degrees away from straight back ( aft ). This is a safe place for the main while you trim the jib.
• You will start moving and tilting ( heeling ) away from the wind. A heel of more than 20 degrees usually indicates that you're being overpowered. Releasing the mainsheet momentarily ( breaking the main ) will lessen the amount of heel, and you will return to a more comfortable sailing angle of 10 to 15 degrees.

• The jib will form a curve or pocket; trim the sail until the front edge just stops luffing. Keep your hand on the tiller (or helm ) and stay on course!

• If you or the wind hasn't changed direction, this is the most efficient place to set the sails. If anything changes, you have to adjust them in response.
• You have just entered the world of the sailor, and you will have to learn to do many things at once, or suffer the consequences.

Sailing Your Boat

• When the wind is at your back and side ( aft quarter ), it's called a broad reach . This is the most efficient point of sail as both sails are full of wind and pushing the boat at full force.
• When the wind is at your back, you are running with the wind . This is not as efficient as reaching, because air moving over the sail generates lift and more force than just the wind pushing the boat.
• When running with the wind, you can pull the jib over to the other side of the boat where it will fill. This is called wing-on-wing , and you have to maintain a steady hand on the tiller to keep this sail configuration. Some boats have a "whisker pole" which attaches to the front of the mast and the clew of the jib which makes the jib much easier to control and keep full of wind. Be sure to be vigilant of obstacles and other vessels, as having both sails in front of you blocks a significant portion of your view.
• Be careful —when the boat is running, the sails will be way off to the side, and because the wind is basically behind you the boom can change sides suddenly ( jibe or gybe ), coming across the cockpit with quite a bit of force.
• If you have a wind direction indicator at the top of your mast, do not sail downwind (run) so that the wind indicator points toward the mainsail. If it does, you are sailing with the boom on the windward side ( sailing by the lee ) and are at high risk of an accidental jibe. When this happens the boom can hit you with enough force to knock you unconscious and out of the boat ( overboard ).
• It's a good practice to rig a preventer (a line from the boom to the toe rail or any available cleat) to limit the travel of the boom across the cockpit in case of an accidental gybe.

• On most sailboats this will be about 45 degrees from the wind direction.
• When you've gone as far as you can on this tack, turn the boat through the wind (or changing direction by tacking ), releasing the jib sheet out of its cleat or off the winch drum as the front of the boat ( bow ) turns through the wind.
• The main and boom will come across the boat. The mainsail will self-set on the other side, but you will have to quickly pull in the jib sheet on the now downwind side to its cleat or winch, while steering the boat so the mainsail fills and begins to draw again.
• If you do this correctly, the boat won't slow down much and you will be sailing to windward in the other direction. If you're too slow tightening the jibsheet again and the boat bears off the wind too much, don't panic. The boat will be pushed sideways a little until it gains speed.
• Another scenario would be to fail to put the bow of your boat through the wind quickly enough and the boat comes to a complete stop. This is known as being in irons , which is embarrassing, but every sailor has experienced it, whether or not they'll admit it is another story. Being in irons is easily remedied: when the boat is blown backwards you will be able to steer, and as the bow is pushed off the wind you will achieve an appropriate angle to the wind to sail.
• Point the tiller in the direction you wish to go and tighten the jib sheet to windward, ( backwinding the sail ). The wind will push the bow through the wind. Once you've completed your tack, release the sheet from the winch on the windward side and pull in the sheet to leeward and you'll be on your way again.
• Because speed is so easily lost when tacking, you'll want to perform this maneuver as smoothly and quickly as possible. Keep tacking back and forth until you get to your destination.

• Reefing almost always needs to be done before you think you need to!
• It's also a good idea to practice capsize procedures on a calm day too. Knowing how to right your boat is a necessary skill.

Storing the Sails

Community Q&A

• Try learning to determine the wind direction using your ears. Let the wind blow onto your back, then slowly turn your head left to right and back until you feel it "equalize" over your ears. Once you find that point, you now know the wind direction, and using this method, you can understand the wind more without having to use your eyes. [7] X Research source Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Know how to read clouds and the weather they may bring. [8] X Research source Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
• If something bad happens—too much wind, man overboard, etc.—remember that you can bring the whole thing to a halt simply by pulling all three sheets out of their cleats or off their winches. The boat will (mostly) stop. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

• Going overboard is a serious matter, especially if you are alone. Cold water, currents, and other boats all can account for serious dangers, and if the sails are up, the boat will take off much faster than you might expect. Additionally, many boats float so high on the water ( freeboard ) that it is difficult to climb in or haul people in without assistance. When sailing at night, always wear a shoulder-mounted flashlight and strobe emergency signaling device, which makes it much easier for a SAR (Search And Rescue) crew to spot you in the water. Thanks Helpful 36 Not Helpful 4
• In sailing, your very life may depend on doing things before they need to be done, when they first cross your mind. If you wait until it needs to be done, it may be too late or very difficult. Follow your instincts. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 5
• Remember the old maxim "It's better to be on the dock, wishing you were on the lake, than to be on the lake, wishing you were on the dock". Don't let enthusiasm overcome your good judgement on a day you should not go out. The apparent wind while tied alongside at the dock may be very different out on the water. Many novices (and experienced sailors, for that matter) get into trouble venturing out when there is too much wind to sail safely. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• It is highly recommended that you at least have working knowledge of the nomenclature of the boat and have done some reading of in-depth material before attempting this sport yourself. Some highly recommended reads are: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sailing , Sailing for Dummies , and Sailing the Annapolis Way by Captain Ernie Barta. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
• Know how how to use VHF radio to make a Mayday call from a Marine Vessel . In an emergency, it is usually the quickest way to summon help. Cell phones may be used, but VHF will be able to contact a nearby vessel much more quickly should you need assistance or be able to render same. [9] X Research source Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• A life vest (Personal Flotation Device) is mandatory on all boats for all passengers. (A pealess whistle attached to the PFD is an excellent idea!) You should wear one at all times. If you have children with you, they should wear one even when you are at the dock.
• Every vessel, regardless of length is required to have a certain amount of safety gear aboard. This ranges from an anchor with sufficient rode, flares, and other equipment as may be mandated by the Government. These regulations are for your safety and should be adhered to.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.lovesailing.net/sailing-theory/sailing-basics/parts-of-a-boat/parts-of-a-boat.php
• ↑ https://www.boats.com/resources/sailing-101-sailboat-types-rigs-and-definitions/
• ↑ http://www.discoverboating.com/resources/article.aspx?id=243
• ↑ https://www.uscgboating.org/images/486.PDF
• ↑ https://www.cruisingworld.com/learn-to-sail-101#page-2
• ↑ https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/how-does-a-boat-sail-upwind
• ↑ https://www.dummies.com/sports/sailing/finding-the-winds-direction/
• ↑ https://weather.com/news/news/read-clouds-meteorologist-20130826
• ↑ https://www.boatus.org/marine-communications/basics/

About This Article

To sail a boat, start by performing a detailed visual check of the cables and ropes that support the mast. Next, determine the wind direction by referring to the wind direction indicator at the top of the mast, then point the boat into the wind. Secure the bottom front of the mainsail and jib to the shackles on the boom and bow of the boat, then trim the jib sheets and mainsail before letting out the main sheet! For tips on monitoring wind indicators, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Are you looking for a  sailing yacht dealer ? Leisure boating, short trips, competitive sailing, regattas – whatever type of sailing you like, BENETEAU has a wide range of  sailing yachts  and  luxury yachts , so there’s bound to be a boat to fulfil your dreams. 

SAILING YACHTS FOR ANY TYPE OF SAILING 

With over century’s experience in the field of naval construction, and in recreational craft since the 1960s , BENETEAU can now provide boats for all kinds of sailors. 

OCEANIS: A BEST SELLER AMONG SAILING YACHTS

BENETEAU has made a name for itself in cruising with the OCEANIS line. With  sailing yachts  boasting ever more stable hulls, open deck plans, easier handling, equipment, and interiors lending themselves to customization, the OCEANIS line has become the international gold standard in cruising. There are eight models ranging from 31 to 60 feet.

FIRST LINE: ICONIC SAILING YACHTS 

BENETEAU’s First line has also been in the spotlight for over 40 years. Now in its seventh generation, the sailing yachts are robust, easy to handle, and perfectly suited to sailors who love competitive sailing. The First sailing yachts are ideal for coastal trips, regattas and adventure raids. 

FIRST SE RANGE: HIGH PERFORMANCE YACHTS

First SE - Seascape Edition encourages and empowers sailors to expand their comfort zone by joining competitive one-design racing and adventure sailing. It grows a community of owners linked by shared values and a drive to strengthen their sailing skills. Whether owners are racing against others in one-design classes or are engaging in adventure sailing, the First SE connects them to the elements and helps them experience nature in the most authentic way.

BENETEAU YACHTS:LUXURY YACHTS

BENETEAU is also there to help you buy a top-quality boat. The OCEANIS Yacht line delivers  luxury sailing yachts  that satisfy this requirement perfectly. The line comprises two luxury craft of over 50 feet, designed by renowned architects and designers. The same is true of the First Yacht 53 in the First line. 

THE FIGARO BENETEAU: ICONIC OFFSHORE RACING SAILING YACHTS

BENETEAU sailing yachts are also ideal for racers and sailors who love offshore racing. The Figaro class has brought the French sailing community firmly into the spotlight, since the 1990s. Now in its third generation with the Figaro 3, the sailing yacht offers a truly memorable sailing experience. A distillation of technology and innovation, she is the result of a collaboration between the best experts of Groupe Beneteau’s teams and the designers Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost (VPLP), the architects behind the winners of the last two Vendée Globe races. 

SAILING YACHTS SAILING THE FIVE OCEANS 

This diversity has led to the BENETEAU brand being represented on all the world’s seas. But wherever they are, BENETEAU boats are easily recognisable for their taut lines, innovative design, robustness and performance. No doubt this will continue, since BENETEAU is constantly reinventing itself to provide ever more enjoyable, high performing, safe and user-friendly recreational craft. BENETEAU achieves this by making the most of current and future innovations such as ship control, dock and go, foils, etc.

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Captained and Bareboat Yacht Charter St Petersburg FL

The wildlife and nightlife of florida’s gulf coast.

Waypoints Florida offers elevated charter experiences in St. Petersburg, FL aboard new model yachts outfitted for comfort and performance. From our charter specialists to our captains, we know the best marinas, local hotspots, and more to help you maximize your cruise on the Tampa Bay.

During your charter vacation, you will enjoy beautiful seaside towns, secluded anchorages and fine marinas, white sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters, gentle winds, dolphins, and an array of wildlife. Bring your camera to capture the unforgettable Skyway Bridge and the multitude of seabirds, including ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans.

This Waypoints base also offers sunset cruises and corporate team building events.

Charter St. Petersburg with Waypoints ® to Experience:

• Daily, Weekend, and Week-Long Charters 
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• Yachts Equipped with Air-Conditioning and Ice Makers* 
• Provisioning and Personal Concierge Services

An Insider’s Viewpoint

“This is our second charter with Waypoints and we could not be more satisfied. Availability and pricing were clear, communication was prompt, and the staff was knowledgeable and nice. The Vinoy Marina is very convenient to a couple of airports so the crew had no problem coming in from all over the country. We think Waypoints is the best charter company available and already have another trip booked for January in St. Thomas!” Jim K.

“The entire team from the Waypoint dock manager, office staff, and dock hands as well as mechanics went above and beyond to make us have a great experience. Sailing Sereia changed me… it was such an incredible trip . With tears in my eyes, I left the boat and I have been counting the days until I can go back and sail her again. We loved all the crew we came in contact with – thank you again!” Constance M.

“We had a great experience with Waypoints Florida Yacht Charters! We spent four days in Florida on Leap of Faith and had a great time. It was our first sailing adventure. We explored Tampa Bay, Anna Maria, Egmont, Bradenton and Palma Sola. It was a great escape! “ Mark L.

Contact a Florida Charter Specialist Today

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Sailing yacht owners on why they love to sail

While they may be far outweighed in number by their motor yacht-owning peers, most sailing yacht owners wouldn’t swap their  J Classes  and  regatta-ready yachts  for anything. Here ten owners tell us why they just can’t get enough of life under sail.

A sailing yacht is ultimate tool for exploring the world

Marcus Blackmore is no stranger to the regatta circuit. An accomplished yachtsman and serial superyacht owner, he's travelled far and wide competing in the world's most renowned races, from the glamourous Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta to the gruelling 630-mile offshore Sydney Hobart race (which he's sailed a hefty 12 times). And while there's nothing like the feeling of lifting the trophy at the end of a regatta weekend, he's never happier than when exploring the remote islands of the South Pacific on board his racer-cruiser Ammonite . 

Blackmore could write a book filled with stories of his adventures visiting the islands, like the time he became an honorary chief in Samoa or when he was offered three pigs and four shells for his step daughter’s hand in marriage in New Guinea. “You don't get those experiences in the Med or the Caribbean," he said.

Having taken delivery of a brand new Southern Wind 92 at the end of 2020 he shows no signs of slowing down. After the trip from South Africa to New Zealand, Ammonite will be put to the test at the New Zealand Millennium Cup and Mastercard Superyacht Regatta . “I'm not sure then whether we're going to go west and do some regattas in Asia, or we might go to Tahiti again. I don't want to be too planned. I think being a little unplanned adds a bit of mystery and a bit of beauty to the whole thing.”

It’s all about fun with friends and family for Marc Giorgetti

While Marc “Gio” Giorgetti grew up in landlocked Luxembourg his fondest memories were of summers spent out on the water. “I was in the water all the time, from morning to night, swimming, sailing, rowing and waterskiing.” Having cruised extensively with family he knew exactly what he wanted from a sailing yacht and commissioned a Solaris 72 (the first of three).

Then, in 2020, Giorgetti took delivery of his largest sailing yacht to date, the 33.8 metre Solaris flagship CeFeA named after his children. Built from carbon, CeFeA is light– 75 tonnes with 22 tonnes of ballast included – and fast, though racing is not the point. “I am not a regatta guy. I prefer to have fun with friends and family on the boat. If I do a regatta, it’s for the pure pleasure of sailing.” CeFeA offers the best of both worlds. “We have a performance-oriented boat with a large owner’s cabin with two bathrooms, four bedrooms and a crew area for five with generous volume. Happy crew, happy owner,” he says. “Competitors have to go to 40 metres to get the same comfort inside space-wise.”

Exploring the seas under canvas is the key to happiness says Aldo Melpignano

Italian businessman Aldo Melpignano purchased the 33.6-metre sailing yacht Imagine , designed by the peerless Ed Dubois, to sail around the world with his family. Imagine's previous owners had proved her mettle with three circumnavigations and a trip to the Arctic, and so she was the perfect choice for the adventure-seeking Melpignano clan. 

“My wife and I, my mum, my sister and younger brother own Imagine and share her together,” explains Melpignano. “Because we work in hospitality, we tend to work when most people are on holiday so, as such, usually there are no ‘fights’ over who goes when. Imagine ’s greatest adventure came in 2017. “My wife, our kids and I spent six months on board in the Caribbean, from the Leewards to the Windwards, ending up in Cuba,” says Melpignano. "This year we will use her to explore the Western Caribbean like Costa Rica, Belize and Panama. She’ll keep going around the world as long as she can… and as long as we’re able to.”

Nothing compares to the thrill of the racecourse for Lang Walker

From a humble dinghy to a series of superyacht sloops, serial sailing yacht owner Lang Walker has built quite the yachting dynasty. All his sailing yachts have had the same name proudly displayed across the transom, Kokomo , which is a tribute to the Vaucluse Junior dinghy he used to race as child. This was where his lifelong affair with sailing began. Walker's first foray into superyachts started with a 42 metre sloop designed by the late Ed Dubois and built by New Zealand’s Alloy Yachts which was a winning combination that remained unchanged through his next two builds: a 52 metre and 58 metre.

Alongside his Kokomo superyachts Walker’s need for speed has also been fulfilled by racing Farr 40s. “I have always been in racing and sailing ever since I was a kid, then about 15 years ago got into the Farr 40 class. When they had a really big fleet I had one in Sydney, one in Europe and one in America and we would do the regattas all around the world. It was pretty exciting sailing and good, close one-design racing,” he says. Nothing can come between Walker and the racecourse, not even two hip replacement surgeries.

A boyhood love of the ocean never left Joey Kaempfer

From many yacht owners, both motor and sailing, their passion for the ocean begins in childhood - and for Joey Kaempfer , owner of sailing yacht Rosehearty , it was no different. The difference for Kaempfer, however, was that he was building the boats himself. “The first boat was probably six feet long and the bottom would have been a piece of plywood and the sides would have been fibreboard," he recalls. "My friends and I painted it and then way too soon, when it was wet, we took it to the lake and poled our way out. Nobody was watching us and, of course, it instantly started disintegrating. Some mother in one of the houses saw us and started screaming. I was a strong swimmer and managed to get everyone to shore, but it was a complete disaster. At that point my parents gave in and bought me a rowboat.”

Despite these rocky beginnings Kaempfer was soon upgrading until the chance to buy his current 56 metre from Rupert Murdoch came along. “I knew I wanted a Perini ,” he says. “As I was taken on board I thought it was very handsome and then I got in it and took one look at the Christian Liaigre-designed saloon and I thought ‘magnificent’. Rupert originally wanted an outrageous price but I finally got to a price where I thought I could spend a couple of extra million to have the boat I wanted. I ended up spending a lot more than two million. I mean a lot more! But I’ve got the perfect boat now.”

For Lenny Recanati it's all about getting back to nature

Lenny Recanati , former owner of 27 metre sailing yacht Vivid , has circumnavigated the world no fewer than two times and travelled over 130,000 miles on board so he certainly has enough experience to identify the true beauty of sailing. His travels have taken him to far-flung locations including Papua New Guinea and Cuba and it is this opportunity to get away from it all that really makes sailing appeal.

“It’s about nature. It’s about the fact that you turn off the engine and just sail with the waves and the wind and nothing else. It is the fact that, by the force of nature, the boat is moving, which is incredible,” he explains. “Nothing comes close to this.”

That said, traversing remote waters in a sailing yacht does have its difficulties. “ Vivid is not an ice class boat or a racing boat, but it has everything: it’s a good performance boat and a very safe boat," he says. "We have been very careful and we know how to navigate through ice. “[But] as we passed Cape Horn, we were hit with 10 metre waves and 50 knot wind gusts. It was pretty crazy. The guy driving the boat put it in autopilot. The boat swung 180 degrees and the mainsail ripped a bit. My crew took control and steadied the boat. But the first half hour was very scary.”

Life at sea is the reward of years of hard work for Milton Sender

Like many yacht owners Milton Sender , co-founder of Daymon Worldwide, is a self-made man whose yacht WindQuest is the reward of years of hard work. “I’m totally unstressed," he says of his idyllic work/life balance. "If I get three or four emails a day, that’s a lot. I do not work. I mean, occasionally I might have to push a button on the boat, but that’s about it.”

This laid back retirement translates into an equally casual cruising schedule with Sender opting for destinations on a whim. “I worked real hard for 50 years and when I retired I said I wanted to play hard,” he explains. “Most summers, we have a starting spot and I have a place that we’re going to sort of end and in between we say ‘oh that’s cool’, or ‘this town is near there, let’s do that’,” adds Sender’s long-time captain Drew Meyers. “And then it just sort of snowballs.”

Leonardo Ferragamo mixes business with pleasure on board

With a controlling stake in Nautor’s Swan and one of the builder’s finest sailing yachts, Solleone , in his possession, Leonardo Ferragamo is about as avid as a sailing yacht fan comes. For Ferragamo sailing is all about spending time with family – and he has no problem mixing business with pleasure.

“I came to the company with an immense respect for what they do," he says. "This was not an industry but a conglomerate of craftsmen. They work with their hands, passing on their talent from generation to generation; these are the same families who built ships for some of the greatest navies in the world. So I wanted to treasure that, and add strong direction, new skills only where gaps needed to be filled.

“I have always believed that being on a boat is the best way of spending time with your family. I know I will get into trouble for saying this, but sailing adds an extra element to the boating lifestyle and the family experience. You need to use your brain, you need to work together, and you get so much more out of it as a result.”

The nomadic life of sailing suits phinisi owner Mark Robba

If there are two things that most superyacht owners prize above all else in their vessels it is the privacy and freedom they provide. It is the later that appealed to Mark Robba when he began building his traditional Indonesian phinisi Dunia Baru in 2008, “I have always known that the very best way to travel is by boat, and probably by sailboat. You’re always home and, if you get tired of one place, you just move on to the next,” he explains.

“I’ve always tried to instil in my family and children that you should never take a vacation. You can sit by a swimming pool and it’s just kind of boring. Really, what we always want is adventure, and the way I define it would be when you did something where you experienced all the emotions, and not just joy, happiness and excitement but also feelings of discomfort or frustration. But once you’ve done it you have a feeling of accomplishment.”

The sea inspires Pete Townshend’s musical creativity

For most superyacht owners their life at the sea is the result, rather than the cause, of their successful careers. Not so for The Who’s Pete Townshend - former celebrity superyacht owner of 38.4 metre Jongert sailing yacht Gloria - who says that he has found musical inspiration on the ocean for as long as he can remember.

“When I was in the Sea Scouts, I had something which you can only really call a revelation on the river,” he explains. “I was on a motorboat with a bunch of other boys and I lost consciousness and started to hear this incredible music. I spent a lot of time as a composer trying to recreate that music I heard then – I’ve come close here and there, but never really cracked it properly.

“ Love, Reign O’er Me , which is probably one of the best, if not the best, song I’ve ever written is about being on the ocean in the rain. It’s the closing song on Quadrophenia , the boy is either in the boat or on the rock, and you don’t really know what happens to him at the end of the story. But it’s raining and it’s about the vastness of the ocean and how small we feel. I think that’s something that every sailor knows.”

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Sailing giant nautor swan 75-foot motor yacht arrow to debut at cannes.

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An overhead view of the 75-foot Nautor Swan power yacht, Arrow, at the August launch from the ... [+] Sanlorenzo shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia.

The star of the show in sailing yachts since the mid 1960s, Nautor Swan is set to debut their newest power yacht, Arrow, at the Cannes Yachting Festival , September 10-15, 2024. Launched August 28, 2024 at the Sanlorenzo La Spezia shipyard, this elegant, sporty, functional sister cygnet is destined to mature at light speed after her global reveal.

Designed by Nautor Swan power division designer Jarkko Jamsén, with interiors by Ioanna Marinopoulou and Axel de Beaufort, Arrow features a contemporary design with wide open spaces that invite longer, more leisurely cruise experiences. Initially intended to be categorized as a chase boat, Arrow proved her prowess as a stand alone day boat in part due to a rapidly increasing fan base.

A rendering of the extensive beach club of the Nautor Swan power yacht Arrow, designed by Jarkko ... [+] Jamsén.

The first ever Nautor Swan powerboat launched was the Swan Shadow, followed by an inboard version, the Swan OverShadow, which debuted at Cannes in 2023. As Nautor Group President Leonardo Ferragamo noted, "When it was launched the result was overwhelming as it became a boat of its own, creating its specific niche in our waters and becoming a great day boat." That passion exhibited by the team and shared by the market led to the Swan Arrow, a 75-foot motor yacht displaying the totemic Swan DNA.

Arrow By The Numbers

The Nautor Swan Arrow is built in advanced composites using a mix infused with GRP and carbon. The walkaround design emulates that of a superyacht, but in a more nimble, highly usable format, using less fuel in a more intimate atmosphere. Focused on interaction with the sea, side opening platforms creates a 548 square foot (50 square meter) beach area that floats just above sea level. Convenient fold-down steps take guests right down to the water.

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Rendering of the Nautor Swan motor yacht Arrow with beach club decks opened to welcome the sun.

A protected cockpit with an opening roof and pivoting sliding glass doors permits a broad panoramic view. The space refreshes with an al fresco vibe when open, maintaining a cozy feel when enclosed. Designed for comfort, Arrow is versatile in helping guests to enjoy time on board regardless of weather.

Her displacement hull measures 76 feet (23.20 meters) with a 22 foot (6.90 meter) beam and a 6 foot 3 inch (1.90 meter) draft. Her maximum speed is 30 knots in the standard arrangement using two Volvo 1350 D13 Penta IPS engines, or 40 knots with the optional arrangement employing three of the same.

The Nautor Swan motor yacht Arrow at Sanlorenzo shipyard La Spezia launch.

Arrow accommodates six to eight guests and two crew. Descending the stairs, guests looking to port find a dedicated galley that serves the aft master cabin. Reaching across the full beam, the master cabin space boasts a walk-in closet, ensuite bath, and stylish materials typical of Nautor Swan heritage.

Amidships, a VIP cabin and twin cabin, both en suite, deliver private guest spaces. An alternative layout offers two large double cabins with a lounge embracing a starboard salon, L-shaped sofa, and dining area. Away from guest areas, crew space for two is located further forward.

Stern view of the Nautor Swan motor yacht Arrow as she prepares to splash at Sanlorenzo's La Spezia ... [+] shipyard.

Roy Capasso, Motoryacht Commercial Director and Regional Director SEMEA and Americas, summarized, "When starting the Swan Arrow project we began with attentively listening to our clients and a detailed analysis of the market. The results, together with the creativity of our designer and the expertise of a qualified team have allowed us to introduce a new concept with some features missing in motoryachts of this size, answering the needs of their owners."

On The Horizon

Bow shot showing the exterior design of Jarkko Jamsén on Nautor Swan's newest power yacht, Arrow, at ... [+] the La Spezia launch in August.

Founded in 1966, Nautor Swan is universally recognized for its performance Maxi yachts and Club Swan Racing yachts, as well as leisure sailing yachts, all built with an elegant, high quality style emphasizing innovation, reliability, and performance. The addition of a power division at Nautor Swan embellishes the brand with a broad appeal, bridging the gap that once separated power versus sail preferences with one brand.

An agreement between Sanlorenzo and Swan for the acquisition of Nautor Swan Group was announced August 1, 2024, but the continuity of the brand is assured through the leadership of Nautor Swan, helmed by Leonardo Ferragamo, retaining the office of President, Massimo Perotti as CEO, and Giovanni Pomati as co-CEO.

Rendering of the 75-foot Nautor Swan motor yacht Arrow, to debut at this year's Cannes Yachting ... [+] Festival.

The Arrow is not the only Swan with a scheduled debut at the Cannes Show. The Swan Maxi 88 sailing yacht will make her debut, along with the Club Swan 43 . The Swan 88, designed by Germàn Frers with interiors by Misa Poggi, is expected to earn as many admiring looks as the Arrow. The Club Swan 43, designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, is intended to serve as a racing and cruising crossover enhanced by top of industry technology for competitive one-design sailing and a comfortable cruising environment.

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80-year-old dies falling off boat on rapids trip in Grand Canyon

An 80-year-old man died in Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend after his boat flipped in the Colorado River, marking the 13th person to die in the park this year.

The man was on a commercial rapids trip Sunday and fell into the water at Fossil Rapid, according to the National Park Service.

He fell in at around 3:40 p.m., according to officials, with an emergency being reported to the National Park Service via satellite phone.

The group said CPR was already in progress as park rangers responded to the emergency.

However, efforts by the group and park rangers, who were flown in by helicopter, were not able to resuscitate him.

The National Park Service and Coconino County medical examiner are investigating the incident. The victim was not identified by officials.

Several people have died in Grand Canyon National Park just in August alone. A 33-year-old woman, Chenoa Nickerson, was washed away in flash flooding was found on Sunday, the same day as the 80-year-old man died in the boating accident.

Three people died in the park on the last day of July and into the first week of August, including a 20-year-old man who fell off a scenic overlook on July 31, a BASE jumper who fell to his death on Aug. 1 and a 20-year-old female hiker who was found dead 150 feet below the rim after she entered on Aug. 3.

A park official told The Associated Press this week that about 10 to 15 people die in Grand Canyon National Park every year, with just 11 dying last year.

Watch CBS News

660 pounds of cocaine seized by feds from boat sailing near Puerto Rico

August 30, 2024 / 9:11 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Federal agents seized $6 million worth of cocaine and arrested two men from the Dominican Republic in waters south of Puerto Rico, officials said Thursday.

More than 660 pounds 300 kilograms of cocaine were found aboard a boat traveling south of the U.S. territory on Wednesday, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

It is the latest multimillion-dollar drug seizure this year in waters surrounding Puerto Rico. In July, federal agents seized $4.6 million worth of cocaine west of the island. Two U.S. citizens were arrested.

Puerto Rico is considered a transit point for drugs being smuggled to the U.S. mainland and other countries.

In June, the U.S. Coast Guard said it offloaded more than 4,800 pounds of cocaine  worth over $63 million at a port in Florida after officials said Coast Guard officers fired at and sank a speedboat suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea.

About a week before that, a separate Coast Guard crew  offloaded $468 million worth of cocaine in San Diego .  That haul was the result of eight separate operations off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America.   

Bricks of cocaine have also been washing up on Florida beaches in recent months -- at least five times since the beginning of the year.

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Thieves steal boat from nonprofit working to protect Ohio River

by Tyler Madden, WKRC

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - It's a shocking discovery for a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Ohio River.

Thieves broke in and took off with a boat, while causing a whole lot more damage.

“I reached out to one of my teammates, and as he proceeded to go out to our boat cage, he noticed a motor on the ground, and the motor he needed was on a boat that was missing,” said Rob Tewes with ORSANCO.

Workers at the nonprofit are left in shock at the damage that was caused.

“A whole boat and a trailer were missing; batteries had been cut out; fuel tanks and cans are all gone; all hitches pulled off of the trucks,” said Tewes.

After surveying the damage and tracking down everything missing, the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, also known as ORSANCO, said they're out $100,000.

“I’ve been here for about 24 years and never have we had a theft or damage like that. It’s pretty overwhelming,” said Lila Ziolkowsi with ORSANCO.

ORSANCO is a nonprofit group that monitors all 981 miles of the Ohio River. Each of the boats is outfitted with special equipment. They're charged with controlling pollution and monitoring river water.

“We have to have the eyes on the river and the boats on the river that do the sampling and analysis to show that the water is safe,” said Ziolkowsi.

The theft of one boat and damage to the others has left the group with just one boat to do work across eight states. Crews are now adjusting schedules to keep up their work.

“We get back to the hotel at midnight or 1 a.m., slick the boat out, load everything up, and get it ready for the next crew, and that boat runs the next day,” said Tewes.

The summer months are also some of the busiest on the water. Tewes said that Cincinnati police are investigating the incident.

“When our efforts are cut down or chopped off at the knees, it impacts everybody,” said Ziolkowsi.

If you have any information on the stolen boat, you're asked to call Crime Stoppers at (513)-352-3040.

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Teen killed, 2 others injured when SUV crashes into boat trailer in Yarmouth, police say

YARMOUTH, Mass. — A teenager died and two other people were injured following a crash in Yarmouth, police said.

The crash took place shortly after 1 p.m. Friday on North Main Street.

A truck pulling a boat on a trailer pulled to the side of the road, and the people in the truck got out to fix a broken axle.

Police said an SUV driving south on North Main Street struck the boat trailer from behind, causing it to strike the people working on the axle.

A 14-year-old died as a result of the crash. Two other people were taken to Cape Cod Hospital. The condition of both of those people is unknown at this time, according to Yarmouth Police.

The driver of the SUV stayed on scene, police said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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