How to sail: A step-by-step guide for the beginner

Step 1: Learn the Parts of a Sailboat

Before you start sailing, it's important to know your boat. Which 'pieces of string do I pul and what is the pointy end called?" That sort of thing. Here are some key parts:

Hull: The main body of the boat
Mast: A tall pole that holds up the sails
Boom: A horizontal pole that extends from the mast
Sails: Catch the wind to move the boat
Rudder: Used to steer the boat
Tiller or Wheel: Controls the rudder
Keel or Centerboard: Helps the boat stay upright and prevents drifting

Knowing these parts will help you when you finally get on the water. A great and easy to read book for pre-sailing (and one you can take with you) is the RYA Competent Crew Handbook.

Sailing is an exciting way to explore the water, enjoy nature, and learn new skills. Whether you dream of cruising the coast or racing in a regatta, this guide will help you learn how to sail step-by-step.

Step 2: Understand Wind and Sail Basics

Sailboats don’t go straight into the wind. Instead, they move by catching the wind at angles. Here’s what to know:

Upwind: Sailing toward the wind (you can only go at an angle)
Downwind: Sailing with the wind behind you
Beam Reach: Wind comes from the side

Adjusting your sails based on the wind direction is called 'sail trim'. The better your trim, the faster you sail.

Step 3: Safety First

Of course, you are not going to go sailing on your own or without a competent companion. But even if it's just to make sure you bring the right clothing, always check the weather before you go out. Always wear a life jacket, and tell someone your sailing plans. Never go to sea without a VHF radio.

Bring along useful gear like:

Wicking base layers
Good fleece midlayers
Decent footwear with a grippy, non-marking sole
A warm sleeping bag
A head torch with a red lens (for night watches)
A waterproof torch
A mobile phone with a waterproof and shock proof case and charger brick
Keep it all in a soft, waterproof bag/rucksack

Step 4: Learn Basic Manoeuvres

You can sail most sail boats in any direction except for into the wind or very close to that angle (say 30 - 40 degrees either side of the true wind direction). Basically then, you can sail from about 35 degrees 'off' the wind direction all the way down to the direction of the wind (known as a 'run'). You can do this with the wind on the right hand side (or 'starboard' side of the boat or with it on the left hand side ('port' side of the boat).

When going from the wind being on one side of the boat to the other, we need to turn the boat through the wind. Turning the front of the boat (the 'bow') through the wind is called 'tacking'. Turning the back (or 'stern') of the boat through the wind is called 'gybing'.

Tacking is safer and more common, especially in strong winds.

Tacking: Turning the bow (front) of the boat through the wind

Gybing: Turning the stern (back) of the boat through the wind

Step 5: Practice Steering and Sail Control

Use the tiller or wheel to steer. Push the tiller away from you to turn the bow toward the wind. Pull it toward you to turn away from the wind. If you have a wheel and not a tiller, then it works just like a car. Turn right and go right. Turn left and go left.

Control your sails with sheets (ropes attached to the back corner of the sail - 'the clew' - that adjusts sail angle). Pull in the the sail to go upwind, loosen it to go downwind.

Watch your tell-tales (small ribbons on the leading edge, belly and back edge of sails).

If the tell tales on the leading edge flutter, adjust the sail angle. In very basic terms, when sailing on a beam reach (wind at 90 degrees to the boat) or 'higher' - i.e. closer to the wind direction - you want the tell tales on the leading edge (also called the 'luff') to be flying on both sides of the sail.

If the tell tales on the 'leeward' side of the sail (the side facing away from the wind direction) flutter, ease the sheet to let the sail out until they start flying horizontally. If the tell tales on the 'windward' side (the side fronting the wind) are fluttering, pull in the sheet to trim the sail in more. When the tell tales are flying on both sides of the leading edge you have the beginnings of a well-trimmed sail.

A good basic is to remember two things when trimming sails;

A flappy sail is NOT a happy sail and
If in doubt, let it out (most novices over-trim sails)

Step 6: Try Short Trips First

Start with short sailing trips in calm water. Practice tacking, gybing, and trimming the sails. Keep out of the way of other boats and make sure you know the basics of the 'rules of the road' for sailors.

Stay close to shore in water deep enough for your boat - remember tides! Get used to how the boat reacts to your movements. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Make sure to have an instructor with you.