Some common sailing terms explained

Category: Sailing Terms

3 rules to be observed in case two sailboats are sailing (navigating) close to each other:

1. The boat on the port tack must clear the way to the boat that navigates on the starboard tack
2. The windward boat must clear way to the leeward boat, when both are on the same tack
3. The faster boat is responsible for safety of manoever and maintaining the safe distance when overtaking the other vessel that moves slower when overtaking it.

Explanation for some most common sailing terms: Bearing - direction of one vessel (buoy, boat) in relation to another vessel where the observer is located at the moment of observing. Chart - a nautical map. Piloting is a navigation based on using visual references like aids to navigation. Aids to navigation (also known as navigational aid, ATON, or navaid) are established markers on land or sea, which enable navigators (sailors) to avoid danger and fix their position. Common types of such aids include lighthouses, buoys, fog signals, and day beacons. Demarcation - boundary of a specific sea area. Can - numbered buoy with a round bottom and conical top, which must always remain on the port side when returning from seaward, or on the starboard side when sailing out. Nun - A conical numbered red and pointed buoy, must always stay on the starboard side when returning from seaward, and on port side if otherwise.

D i s c o v e r   B o a t i n g
Discover Boating is a national awareness campaign managed by the North American recreational boating industry's trade group, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA.org). Discover Boating programs focus on improving the boating experience through raising interest in recreational boating by providing a resource for Americans to explore the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating lifestyle. Here are the options you could become interested in:

Rent or Charter
Boat rentals come in a variety of forms, from hourly and daily rentals to weeks-long charters. Renting is a helpful way to compare boat types and explore local waterways from a new vantage point. Multi-day chartering may help save on trip expenses such as food, lodging and activities, which can often be negotiated into the overall cost of a chartering package.

Share Time and Costs
Fractional boat ownership, similar to lodging timeshares, are cost-effective ways to use well-appointed boats and distribute costs related to fueling, pump-out, maintenance, and insurance among you and a group of friends or other local timeshare boaters. Members pre-schedule use of the boat online and often get the added benefit of lessons, flotillas and additional crew, if needed.

Join a Club
Local boating clubs and organizations allow inexperienced boaters the chance to test the waters through lessons, regattas and events. Clubs provide members with access to a variety of boat types, interaction with fellow boaters and events for all skill levels for an annual or monthly fee.

Test the Waters
Visit a local boat dealer as they can help narrow down choices, suggest options to best fit a budget and take interested boaters out for a test drive to experience how the boat performs. Similar to shopping for a car, test driving several boat types will help even the most experienced boater make a selection that works best for their budget and lifestyle.