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Step 1
Learn the points of sail. Study the various angles of the boat to the wind, from close haul to a downwind run, so that you can apply knowledge of the wind direction to your sailset when you begin to take lessons.
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Step 2
Rig the boat properly. Every boat rigs slightly differently. Learn the various rigging elements on your boat so you are sure that your sails are up, your centerboard is down (if there is one) and nothing is dragging behind your boat to prevent you from sailing.
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Step 3
Find the wind. Knowing from which direction the wind is blowing is the key to propelling a sailboat. Use your boat's wind vane, check out flags on land or look at the water to ascertain the wind direction.
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Step 4
Use the sheets to adjust your sails according to the wind and your point of sail. As you start sailing, you should adjust the sails of the boat to harmonize with the wind and its direction. Sails should be full and taut while sailing. Use telltales when sailing upwind by sheeting or easing the sails to get the telltales flying backward smoothly. For downwind sailing, ease the sails until you find your maximum velocity.
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Step 5
Scull in the doldrums. Doldrums are patches of water that have no wind blowing across them. This might bring your boat to a stop. To get through patches such as these, push and pull your tiller back and forth to propel the boat on the force of the rudder's movement. Practice this during sailing lessons to get the right amount of push and pull force on each scull.
