Sailing

Sailing is the practice and sport of moving a vessel by harnessing wind in its sails. It combines sail trim, steering, and reading wind and water conditions.

Apparent wind: The wind experienced aboard a moving vessel, combining true wind with the vessel’s motion. Sailors trim sails to the wind they feel aboard, not to true wind alone.
Sail: A fabric or membrane surface that catches wind to propel a vessel. Sails are the central surfaces through which wind power moves a sailing vessel.
Sailing yacht: A sail-powered vessel designed primarily for recreation, cruising, or racing. Yachts are the vessels most commonly associated with modern recreational sailing.
Powerboat: A vessel propelled primarily by an engine rather than sails. Powerboats rely on onboard engines instead of wind as their main source of propulsion.
Points of sail: The headings a sailing vessel can steer relative to the wind, from close-hauled to running. Each heading changes how the sails must be set and how the vessel moves.
Mast: A tall spar that supports sails and their rigging on a vessel. The mast carries the sails and transfers their loads to the vessel.
Cruising (sailing): Sailing undertaken primarily for passage-making and enjoyment rather than competition. Cruising applies sailing skills to planned journeys and life aboard.
Rowing: Propelling a boat by moving oars through the water. Rowing uses muscular effort and oars, rather than wind and sails, for propulsion.
Sail trim: Adjusting a sail’s position and shape to control its aerodynamic force. Trim determines whether sails generate useful drive or create drag and instability.
Rigging: The ropes, wires, and fittings that support a mast and control sails. Rigging holds the sail plan upright and enables adjustments while underway.

Linked from 13 pages