- Although there are many types of sailboats, from tiny catboats to the large schooner, they each have similar parts. The sailboat's body is called the hull. The boat's front is called the bow, and the back part of the boat is the stern. When referring to the location on the boat, the front area is "forward," or "fore," and the back is "aft." Many sailboats have either a centerboard or keel, which is a flat metal or board that extends from the center of the hull, down into the water. This helps to prevent the boat from capsizing.
- Located on the stern of the boat is the rudder, which is a fin-shaped object that extends down into the water and can turn from side to side. The rudder helps to steer the direction of the boat. The rudder can be moved manually, or can be attached to a mechanized system that allows the rudder to be controlled by a steering wheel. On smaller boats, where the rudder is not controlled by a wheel, it has a large handle which is called the tiller. A member of the sailing crew can turn the tiller by hand, which then moves the rudder. The drag from the rudder in the water will effect the direction the sailboat moves.
- Sailboats can have one or more sail. They are supported by poles that are called "spars." The spars that are upright and hold the sails are called "masts." The largest sail is held by the spar called the "mainmast." The spar that runs along the bottom of the sail is the boom. A gaff is a spar that is sometimes attached to the top of the sails. The lines and ropes on a sailboat are called rigging. These lines allow the crew to raise and lower the sails, or to change their position.
- The sails are constructed to resemble wings that capture air. When the sail captures the wind, it creates a force and pushes the boat. Moving the direction of the rudder and controlling the rigging allows the crew to manipulate the wind power and push the sailboat into the desired direction. When the wind moves across the curved sail surface, it creates a force similar to the lift that allows airplanes to fly. The lifting force causes a pull away from the sail to the front of the craft, as the wind gives pressure to the other side of the sail. The combination of these forces, allow the boat to move in virtually any direction, excluding 45 degrees on either side of the wind direction.
