We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Sailing

Sailing is the art and science of controlling the movement of a boat using sails that are powered by the wind. It is a popular sport and recreational activity, as well as having a long and varied history in international trade, exploration and military conflict.

Read more

Sailing is the art and science of controlling the movement of a boat using sails that are powered by the wind. It is a popular sport and recreational activity, as well as having a long and varied history in international trade, exploration and military conflict.

What is Sailing?

Sailing requires an understanding of the weather and sea currents. Knowledge of navigation is important because it is very easy to become lost at sea. Most sailboats have some form of auxiliary propulsion, such as an engine, in case the wind dies or to allow the boat to return to port if it has suffered a broken mast or other damage.

What are the different types of Sailing?

There are many types of sailing, each with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Some of the most popular types of sailing include:

  • Coastal sailing takes place close to the shore, and is a good way to learn the basics of sailing in a relatively safe environment.
  • Offshore sailing involves sailing out of sight of land and is a more challenging and adventurous type of sailing.
  • Ocean sailing is the most challenging and demanding type of sailing and is typically undertaken by experienced sailors.
  • Racing sailing is a competitive sport that involves sailing boats against each other on a set course.
  • Cruising sailing is a more relaxed type of sailing that involves taking a boat on a long journey.

What are the benefits of Sailing?

Sailing offers a number of benefits, including:

  • Improved physical fitness. Sailing is a great way to stay active and improve your overall fitness.
  • Reduced stress. Sailing can be a very relaxing and peaceful activity, and can help to reduce stress levels.
  • Increased self-confidence. Sailing can help you to develop self-confidence and learn how to solve problems.
  • Increased knowledge. Sailing can teach you a great deal about the weather, the sea, and navigation.
  • Great way to spend time with friends and family. Sailing is a great way to spend time with your loved ones and create lasting memories.

How can I learn to Sail?

There are a number of ways to learn to sail. You can take sailing lessons from a qualified instructor, read books about sailing, or watch videos about sailing. There are also a number of online courses that can teach you the basics of sailing.

Once you have learned the basics of sailing, you can practice your skills by sailing in different conditions. You can sail in lakes, rivers, or oceans. You can also sail in different types of boats, such as sailboats, catamarans, and trimarans.

Sailing Careers

There are a number of career opportunities available for people who are interested in sailing. Some of the most common sailing careers include:

  • Sailing instructor. Sailing instructors teach people how to sail.
  • Charter boat captain. Charter boat captains take people on sailing trips for a fee.
  • Sailing yacht captain. Sailing yacht captains are responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew on a sailing yacht.
  • Marine surveyor. Marine surveyors inspect boats to determine their condition and value.
  • Naval architect. Naval architects design and build boats.

Online Courses

There are a number of online courses that can teach you the basics of sailing. These courses can be a great way to learn about sailing from the comfort of your own home. Some of the most popular online sailing courses include:

  • Coursera's Sailing: From Beginner to Skipper
  • edX's Sailing: Navigating the Ocean
  • FutureLearn's Sailing: The Basics
  • Udemy's Sailing: The Complete Course
  • Alison's Introduction to Sailing

Online sailing courses can be a great way to learn the basics of sailing from the comfort of your own home. These courses can teach you about the different types of boats, the basics of sailing, and how to sail in different conditions. Online sailing courses can also help you to develop the skills you need to sail safely and confidently.

Conclusion

Sailing is a popular sport and recreational activity, as well as having a long and varied history in international trade, exploration and military conflict. It is a great way to stay active, reduce stress, and learn more about the world around you. If you are interested in learning how to sail, there are a number of resources available, including online courses, books, and videos.

Path to Sailing

Take the first step.
We've curated one courses to help you on your path to Sailing. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Sailing: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 22 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sailing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sailing, covering everything from basic sailing techniques to advanced racing strategies. It is written by Bob Bond, a world-renowned sailor and sailing instructor.
Comprehensive reference guide to sailing. It covers everything from the basics of sailing to advanced techniques.
French-language sailing manual that covers everything from the basics of sailing to advanced techniques.
Classic in the world of sailboat racing. It is written by Paul Elvstrøm, one of the most successful sailboat racers of all time.
Comprehensive guide to ocean sailing, covering everything from the planning stages to the actual voyage.
Comprehensive guide to heavy weather sailing, covering everything from the basics of storm tactics to the latest in safety equipment.
A classic reference work that provides a wealth of information on all aspects of seamanship, including sailing.
Must-read for anyone who is planning to go cruising. It covers everything from boat maintenance to provisioning to weather forecasting.
Beautifully illustrated coffee table book that celebrates the world of sailing.
This comprehensive encyclopedia covers all aspects of sailing, from history and terminology to boat design and racing.
This introductory guide is written by a veteran sailor and provides a clear and concise overview of the basics of sailing.
This technical manual provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of sailing, with an emphasis on boat design and performance.
This beginner-friendly guide provides a clear and simple introduction to the basics of sailing.
This guide is specifically tailored to sailors who want to compete in sailboat races.
This guide provides detailed instructions for trimming and tuning sails for optimal performance.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser