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A sailing ship is a wind-powered ship. Historically, sailing ships were the primary means of transportation across long distances of water (e.g. rivers, lakes, oceans) before the invention of the first workable steam engines. They were used for carrying cargo, passengers, mail, supplies etc. In modern times sailing ships are less common but are still used in some parts of the world, such as the Indian Ocean, as commercial vessels. ...
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How To Buy A Small Sailboat
When you buy a small sailboat, you need to make sure that it is in good condition and is seaworthy. How do you do this? These are the steps:1.Read sailboat magazines and Read more...
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Get a Sailboat and Enjoy Life on the Water!
Sailing a sailboat is one of the most enjoyable pastimes there is - you can be lazy, and just let the boat waft along on the breeze, race against other similar sailboats, or cruise along the coast or to distant countries. You see there really is a sailboat for everyone, from a little boat about 10 feet long up to a massive and very expensive yacht or sailboat of 60 feet or more.
You can sail on your own in a small sailboat, or even a 30-footer, or you can take your family and friends - if you have a big family, and want to go far you will need a large boat. You can buy an old one, or a new one. You can mess about in sailboats, you can build your own, or you can modify one you buy.
If you are not sure what sort of sailboat you want, you can charter or rent one – it could be a small sailboat like a Laser Radial, or a larger sailing dinghy, or a cruising sailboat of 24-32 feet. These are generally easy to handle – but do not go out in bad weather until you are experienced.
If
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you decide that you enjoy sailing – I think you will – then do a sailing course to learn to sail. If you want to cruise, you will want to know how to navigate and learn about tides and currents – this will all be included in a course.
Then, you need to adjust the sails, and set your course. In a sailing dinghy, you will need to lean out to counteract the force on the sails – and on some you go up on the 'trapeze.' I know many people who love these boats, but I prefer a larger boat with a keel.
A sailboat starts to come alive when you hoist the sails, and feel them filling with wind. Then, you switch off your engine, if you have one, trim the sails, and enjoy the peace and exhilaration sailing brings. Maybe you are setting out on a passage that will take several hours, or even days, or maybe you are just pottering up a river. Or you might be about to join ten or 20 other in a race. However you find the sailing you like, your sailboat will give you a lot of fun.
Balboa Sailboats
Balboa sailboats are great little cruisers – mini-cruisers. There was a range of models from 20 to 28 feet, and all were designed for use with outboards, from 4 to 20 hp, depending the size of Read more...
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Gaff-rig sailboats
The gaff-rig was standard on sailboats for a very ling time, until it was displaced by the more efficient Bermudian rig. So why would anyone want a gaff-rig today?The reason the Read more...
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Balboa Sailboats
Balboa sailboats are great little cruisers – mini-cruisers. There was a range of models from 20 to 28 feet, and all were designed for use with outboards, from 4 to 20 hp, depending the size of Read more...
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Choosing The Right Boat For You
By John Rodgers
If you’re a first time boat buyer the choice of boats available for purchase can be bewildering. How do you make sense of all the choices? Well, the first time boat buyer needs to avoid Read more...
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AruAruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2008
With winter now seriously here in most of the USA, I thought you might enjoy seeing how our Caribbean neighbors are doing.
On the second day of the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2008, the fleet of 41 teams had to deal with tricky sailing conditions on the Caribbean Sea. From time to time, big clouds brought rain showers and gusts. That resulted in a shifty and variable breeze, which made it an interesting competition. Dutchmen Booth and Nieuwenhuis are still in the lead by one point, with Xander Pols and Frank de Waard (NED) in second position. Last year’s winners Eduard Zanen and Mischa Heemskerk (NED) climbed to a third place. Henk-Johan Hankart and the Grijpma brothers are first overall in the fleet of slower catamarans.
Today’s weather required a lot more trimming and smart racing. The winning strategy was about getting the shifts and pressure right. Sunburned legs and arms had a rest, as it was mostly clouded. The morning breeze was about 8 knots strong, but in the afternoon it picked up to 16 knots and more. During lunchtime on the Aruba beach, the competitors could share their experiences and reconsider their tactics. Or simply enjoy the Aruba hospitality. Late afternoon, they decided to have their happy hour in sea, as the rain was pouring down in a tropical shower.
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