How to Control the Sails on a Sailboat

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

2. Grasp the main sheet firmly with one hand.

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

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

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

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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