How to Raise a Mainsail

Being able to raise and lower your sails is fundamental in sailing. The basic technique is the same for dinghies or yachts (only the equipment is much larger on yachts). Here's how to raise a mainsail.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Personal flotation devices
• Mainsail
• Sailboats
• Sailing Gloves

1. Determine the wind direction by reading the indicator on top of the mast or the direction of the waves on the water.
2. Point the bow of the boat into the wind so that once the sail is raised, you can maintain control of the boat and slowly fall off the wind and point in your desired direction.
3. Remove the halyard from its temporary secure point.
4. Attach the halyard to the headboard. Usually you clip this on, but you might need to use bowline for older boats.
5. Look aloft (up) to ensure the halyard can run free.
6. Free the sail ties from around the boom.
7. Return to the mast or cockpit area where the halyard is raised.
8. Release the mainsheet and let it run free.
9. Raise the sail hand over hand until the load becomes too heavy.
10. Use a winch, if one is provided, to raise the sail all the way to the top of the mast.
11. Tighten the headsail until a few wrinkles form along the leading edge.
12. Secure and coil the halyard.
13. Steer the boat away from the eye of the wind slightly.
14. Haul in on the mainsheet until there is tension and the sail fills with wind. That's all there is to it.

Tips & Warnings

• A halyard should always attach to a secure spot on the boat or be held in your hand. Don't leave a halyard dangling, or the end you need may disappear up the mast.
• To quickly recap: Point the bow into the wind, attach the halyard to the sail, pull the halyard until the sail is raised, fall off the wind, haul in on the sheet, and you're sailing!
• Use extreme caution whenever you leave the cockpit. Always wear a personal flotation device.