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Points of Sailing

Points of Sailing

by | Crewing skills

The course on which a boat is sailing can be described by its angle to the wind, not to be confused with its compass heading. The different angles to the wind are known as the points of sailing. A number of sailing terms collectively known as the points of sail are...
How to operate a winch

How to operate a winch

by | Crewing skills

Winches are drum shaped mechanical devices used to handle halyards, sheets and control lines. One of the important crew skills to learn is winch handling and knowing how to operate a winch correctly. The sails of a large yacht exert considerable force on the ropes...
Competent crew skills: mooring lines

Competent crew skills: mooring lines

by | Crewing skills

Mooring lines are used when arriving or leaving a berth. One of the most important competent crew skills is to know how to handle and tie mooring lines securely and safely. Mooring lines may be tied to a variety of purpose made objects ashore, including cleats, rings...
Tacking a sailing boat

Tacking a sailing boat

by | Crewing skills

Tacking is the sailing manoeuvre used to change a boat’s direction through an oncoming wind. Tacking a sailing boat calls for the crew to work as a co-ordinated team and is one of the first sailing skills to learn. When a sailing boat is heading in the direction...