I'm going to take a sailing lesson, what should I learn on my own before going?

Question

What are some things I can learn to start with before I take a sailing lesson? Besides learning to tie knots and sections of the boat what else would be helpful to learn before my lesson?

Answer 1

I would learn the general terminology and all the equipment names on the boat you'll be sailing on.   That way you'll know what they are talking about when they start the lessons.

Answer 2

Basics to help you out:

Pointy end-"Bow"

Flat end-"Stern"

When looking towards the "Bow" the left side is the "Port" and the right side is the "Starboard".

The floor under your feet is the "Deck"

The cloth rags blowing in the wind are not called "Sheets" (or rags) they are "Sails"

A rope that leaves the dock to be on a boat is called a "Line"

The statement "Abandon Ship!" is not a good term to hear while away from land

The term "Davey Jones Locker" is where the vessel will be at shortly after hearing the "Abandon Ship" statement above

"Helm" is where the vessel is steered from

"Rudder" is what makes the vessel steer.

"Sea Legs" is what you wish you had when you are "heaving to" over the side....

That is just a short list, hope is helps out some.  Enjoy the lessons!

Answer 3

I tell people to go to the link. It not the best, but, it free. Scroll down and watch the videos. Also, there more on the right. When you start a video it may give a short advertisement before the show. This give you some good basics so you have a little understanding.

http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/...

This next link give you some terms. It more than we want to learn, but, you can browse words you want to know.

http://www.glen-l.com/resources/glossary...

Answer 4

have an idea about the journeys

Answer 5

The most important lesson of all is to respect and fear the sea, then you can enjoy it. Happy sailing.

Answer 6

know your sails, know port from starboard, always wear a life preserver, always wear a lanyard, remember that sailing is 99% boredom and 1% terror,and for everyones sake learn how to swim!