We discussed the directions that we can sail in another post. Let's now talk about a few terms, starting out with Windward which is the direction the wind is coming from (toward the wind) and Leeward the direction the wind is going to (away from the wind). In the beginning we will always be sitting on the windward side of the boat facing our sail. We can also throw in Port which is the left side of the boat when facing the bow and starboard which is the right side of the boat when facing the bow. The Bow of the boat is the front of the boat and the Stern is the back of the boat. A couple of good ways to remember Port and Starboard are "Alway leave a little Port Left in the bottle" or "The sailor Left Port Sunburned."
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Personal safety while sailing is a much too often an overlooked subject. I have heard people say "I don't need that, I've been sailing for over xx years now and have never had an accident" it is not that they don't think about personal safety, only that they have become too comfortable from the number of years in which they may have not experienced serious injuries or accidents... which is great BUT, ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN!
Here is a list of items that everyone should have with them while sailing and some of these are required by law to have on your boat anyway. Hat, sunglasses, loose fitting clothes or clothes that can stretch with your movements, deck shoes with sipped soles, water shoes, whistle, sailing gloves, plenty of water, sun screen spf 30 or higher, change of clothes, towel, Coast Guard Approved Type III PFD, duffle bag, watch, and a rigging knife are just the basic items that you should have with you every time you go sailing. |