How Long Does It Take to Learn to Sail?
Sailing is one of those activities where some people may catch onto it sooner than others. Similar to learning the rules of a new sport or the controls of a new video game, sailing requires you to understand a few different concepts.
In general, it will take three to four hours of research to prepare you to begin sailing then an average timeline of sixteen to twenty hours of hands-on experience to be able to properly sail. However, like every other hobby out there you never truly quit learning new things about sailing and how to improve. (Source: Sea Affinity)
Here are the basics on how to learn how to sail:
1. Thoroughly research sailing terms and the parts of a boat
2. Figure out how you learn best so you can properly apply your new sailing knowledge
3. Learn about geographic patterns and local weather conditions
5. Learn the necessary procedures of sailing
6. Apply your new knowledge and set sail
1. Thoroughly research the topic
While it may seem like a no-brainer to some, this is an important part of the learning process, especially for sailing. If you have no previous experience being on a boat, then you have quite a few terms to learn such as common sailing phrases and even the different parts of the boat. For reference, we are going to include a few examples of the terms included in these categories as well as their meaning to make it easier for you to understand what we mean.
Basic Sailing Terms
- Bow – this term is used to refer to anything in the front portion of the boat.
- Stern – a term used to refer to anything in the back of the boat.
- Port – a common term used anytime you are facing the front of the boat, to reference anything on the left side.
- Point of sail – the position of the boat in relation to the direction of the wind.
Different Parts of the Boat
- Cleat – a vital part of the boat that allows you to drop your anchor and remain in one spot for a while. This piece is typically metal and is where the line gets secured to.
- Deck – the area of the boat where people are able to lounge around, this space also contains the boat’s steering wheel.
These are just a few of the many terms used on a regular basis by sailors, so learning them is essential for being able to properly sail. The information that you learn during the research step will allow you to be able to apply the correct knowledge when you step onto a boat. Similar to how you have to read the lab instructions before being able to actually partake in a biology lab if you want to do it the right way.
2. Figuring out how you learn best
After you conduct your research, knowing how to best apply the new information can help you out a lot and potentially save you some time learning how to sail. If you learn best by researching and reading, then the first step may be the longest one for you. Whereas if you do best by doing you may spend less time researching and be ready to head right out onto the water a lot sooner than others. This will allow you to put yourself out there and figure things out as you go.
Everyone learns in a different way and figuring out what works best for you can save you some time. No one likes to spend their time reading and researching if they have a hard time understanding the content. Just like others do not like to begin something if they have not researched everything that they can yet. No matter how you learn best though, you should still conduct research first to be able to understand the necessary parts of the boat and terms used to make communication easier.
3. Geographic considerations and weather patterns
An important part of sailing is looking at your geographic location and understanding the surrounding area. The rules and regulations can change if you are sailing on a lake, a bay, or in the ocean. Knowing if you will be the only person sailing in the area or if you will be around other boats can impact your rules as well. So, looking up the area you intend to sail in and understanding the conditions and rules is key.
Understanding your area’s weather patterns can help you out a lot as well. Being out on the water during high tide, experiencing changes in currents, having the wind pick up, and more can affect your sailing experience. Knowing how to adapt to these different situations and being able to control your boat can help you out a lot.
For example, if your area tends to experience rain showers later in the evening and you have to take a specific path back to dock you may want to set sail earlier in the day and head back an hour or so before the showers are intended to begin. Or if you have no experience yet sailing at high tide or during harsh winds, you may want to have a more experienced sailor with you your first time sailing in those conditions.
What are the different types of keels on a sailboat? Find out here.
4. Knowing the proper procedures
The next step in the process of learning how to sail is knowing how to properly execute the basics of sailing. Such as exiting and reentering the area you are sailing from, knowing how to properly drop your anchor, and more.
Knowing how to perform these functions is essential to being able to go off on your own and knowing that you can handle your boat properly. Some areas may have rocks or boulders that you need to avoid when setting sail or a specific turn that you need to execute when returning to enter the waterway properly.
If you plan to stop your boat at any point when sailing, as most people do, you will need to ensure that you can use the anchor correctly. While things like this may seem trivial to some having the knowledge when on the water goes a long way in helping you learn.
5. Applying your new knowledge
Now you should feel good about going out on the water and beginning your hands-on experience. This is when you get to put your research to the test, use the sailor lingo, and learn how to maneuver a sail in open waters. You will see how busy your water area is, what types of boats are out sailing on a regular basis, how far you can go, and more. The water is your oyster at this point.
Now that you know the basics of sailing you can set sail and begin your sixteen to twenty hours of hands-on experience. By the end of your experience, you should feel confident in your sailing abilities.
Related Questions
1. Can you take courses online or in-person to learn the information in a more efficient way?
Yes, there are plenty of accessible resources online, whether you are looking for a sailing dictionary or instructional videos. Most marinas offer sailing lessons if you need a more hands-on approach to sailing.
2. Can it take me longer than sixteen to twenty hours of hands-on experience to learn how to sail?
Absolutely, the time frame given is just a baseline to give you an idea of how long it may take someone with little to no sailing experience to learn.
3. Do different cities have different water protocols?
Yes, each area is different depending on the body of water you are sailing on and the area you are taking your boat out from. Some areas experience more traffic than others and the rules will typically reflect that to keep everyone safe.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.