How to Sail a Boat With the Wind

Sailing is a sport that can offer the participant a lot of enjoyment and fun. Learning to sail at various points of the wind is one of the most important concepts to grasp. The simplest point of wind to sail is "with the wind."

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by sailing across the direction of the wind. The wind will be coming from port or starboard as you move through the water. Note that as you turn the tiller to the left or right the movement of the boat will increase or slack off. If you turn the tiller and begin to head more towards the direction the wind is blowing from, you will begin to sail into the wind and part of your sail will begin to luff or lose wind.

2. Turn the tiller so that the boat turns downwind. This will cause it to feel like it is blowing from your back.

3. Allow the boat to continue to turn until the wind is blowing from directly behind you. As the boat has been turning you should have been letting the sheet out to keep the main sail filled with wind. By the time you reach the point where the wind is directly at your back, the sheet will have been let fully out and the sail will be perpendicular to the direction the boat is moving.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to master the techniques of sailing and learning the basics is to take sailing classes at a local lake or body of water.

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