Things You'll Need:
- Sailboat
- Life Jackets
- Crew
- Paddle
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Step 1
Pick out a boat. Sunfish are popular boats for first-time sailors because they are small, easy for one person to control, and can easily be righted if they capsize. On the downside they are cramped, and do not sail upwind well. Many people prefer to start on a larger, more comfortable sailboat.
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Step 2
Check the boat to make sure that it is in good repair and has all necessary safety equipment. There shouldn't be any noticeable cracks in the hull. The dinghy boat should have built in flotation in the bulkheads, in case the boat capsizes or takes on water. There should also be a life jacket for each person on the boat.
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Step 3
Make sure to have some type of backup equipment. If the wind dies and you get stuck out in the middle of the lake, you will need paddles or a small motor to get back.
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Step 4
Learn the basics. Either go out with an experienced sailor, or have one explain how to handle a boat. At a minimum, you should know how to tack, jibe, and trim the sails. You should also learn the basic right-of-way rules.
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Step 5
Make sure to have proper supervision. If you have a bigger boat, take a more experienced sailor with you. If you have a single-handed sailboat, such as a Laser or Sunfish, make sure that there is someone keeping an eye out for you. They'll be able to tow you or give you instructions if you get stuck in the middle of the lake.
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Step 6
Pick the right day to start. Make sure that there is enough wind to sail, but not too much. Also, make sure that thunderstorms or other inclement weather is not in the forecast.
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Step 7
Know what a keel is. The keel is a hydrofoil underneath the boat which provides balance and stablility. Generally, dinghies have center-boards or dagger-boards instead of fixed keels. These types of keels can be moved up into the boat to reduce drag or sail in shallow water.
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Step 8
Make sure to have enough keel. Unless you are sailing in the shallows, you should keep keep your keel all the way down to give you more stability until you know what you are doing.
