How To

How to Control the Sails on a Sailboat

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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The sails are a sailboat's engine. They provide power to the boat. There are usually two sails on a sailboat. The mainsail is the bigger sail. The jib is the smaller sail. You control the mainsail by operating a system of cables that run through pulleys.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Locate the cable that controls the mainsail on the back of the boat. This cable is the main sheet.

  2. Step 2

    Grasp the main sheet firmly with one hand.

  3. Step 3

    Release the pressure from the cam cleat on the main sheet with your free hand.

  4. Step 4

    Pull the main sheet up out of the cam cleat. The cam cleat is the clamp that holds the main sheet steady.

  5. Step 5

    Adjust the tension of the main sheet. More slack allows the mainsail to loosen. Pulling the main sheet tighter will tighten the mainsail.

  6. Step 6

    Keep the tension steady in the main sheet by holding the line manually or cleating off using the cam cleats.

  7. Step 7

    Readjust the tension of the main sheet as needed so you can sail at the desired speed.

Tips & Warnings
  • The mainsail controls the speed of the boat. It should be taut in light winds and strong winds but loose in moderate winds to optimize speed and control.
  • If you are in a small sailboat or in weather with high winds, do not cam cleat your main sheet. You should manually control the main sheet tension so you do not capsize.
  • Never try to sail too fast because the sailboat will be too difficult to control and can cause an accident or injury.

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