Sailing (hobby)

History

Sailing enthusiasts are attracted to the sport by a thirst for adventure, as well as for the physical challenge and competitive aspect. Others enjoy the opportunity to navigate waterways quietly without a motor and with minimal impact on the environment.

Historical records indicate that sailboats were used in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Scandinavia. Historians believe that prehistoric cultures may have outfitted canoes with sails as well. The first catamarans were likely formed by lashing two dugout canoes together. With the sail placed in the middle of the two hulls, hunters, fishers, and warriors could gain additional speed and balance.

The sport of sailing emerged in the Netherlands during the seventeenth century, toward the end of the Age of Discovery. The term "yacht" is derived from the Danish term "jaghtschip," meaning "chasing ship." Yachting became a leisure activity among the wealthy, using boats less than 65 feet long. Yachting spread to the British Isles and the rest of Europe and developed in conjunction with the formation of exclusive yacht clubs.

The New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844. In 1851, the club competed in a race with England. The Americans won the trophy, which became known as "America's Cup." The first Olympic yacht races were held at the 1900 Olympics in Paris.

During the twentieth century, the sport became accessible to a broader group as sailboats became smaller, incomes increased, and the introduction of car trailers allowed for easy transportation to resorts. In 1959, the Annapolis Sailing School began to provide instruction to the general public, and other sailing schools followed in their wake.

During the 1960s, sailboat manufacturers shifted from wood to fiberglass boats. At the same time, children as young as eight years old began participating in sailing competitions using the Optimist, a small (7.6 feet long), lightweight sailboat designed for young sailors.

In 1971, boat designer Bruce Kirby began promoting the Laser, which would launch a new Olympic competition. Measuring slightly less than 14 feet, the Laser is now available in three different models: the Standard, the Radial, and the 4.7. Each forms a separate competitive class based on the weight of the crew. A new Laser Radial class for women was introduced in the 2008 Olympic Games.

Sailing vessels today range from small windsurfers up to 60-foot yachts. Daysailers, or small dinghies, are among the most popular boats for their range in size, price, and accessibility.

Equipment

• Boat
• Roof rack or trailer
• Dolly or cart
• Paddles or oars
• Bailer and sponge or pump (tied to boat)
• Towline

• Waterproof or fast-drying clothing
• Wetsuit or drysuit, wetboots
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat
• Personal flotation device (PFD)
• Waterproof bags and containers
• Sailing gloves
• Deck shoes or other non-slip shoes

• Knife
• Water and food
• First aid kit
• Signaling and communication device (a mirror and whistle) attached to PFD
• Navigation charts (necessary for ocean sailing, large lakes, rivers)

Optional

• Anchor
• Global positioning system (GPS) unit or compass
• Storm cover
• Kneepads
• Cooler

• Waterproof camera
• Waterproof binoculars
• Satellite phone

Things to Look for When Buying a Boat

Size: Space for gear, crew, passengers, etc.

Purpose: Multi-purpose, racing, or strictly recreational

Number of hulls: Single (monohull) or two or more (multihull)

Required crew: One, two, or more

Capacity: Number of crew and passengers

Composition: Plastic, fiberglass, composite, or wood (wood will require the most maintenance)

Transportation: Car rack, trailer, or docking fees

Potential resale value

Types of Sailboats

Windsurfer/Sailboard: A "surfboard" with a sail attached, intended for one person.

Small Sailboats: Dinghies, daysailers, and catamarans less than 20 or 25 feet long. These usually have a retractable keel for transporting in a trailer, and no cabin. Those 10 feet or less are one-person boats.

Basic Keelboats/Cruisers: These are usually 20 to 30 feet long, and may include a small cabin.

Large Cruisers: Sloops, ketches, yawls, and other yachts 30 to 60 feet long, with cabins that range from economical to grand. Steered by wheel with a full engine.

Small Racing/or Multi-Purpose Boats: Dinghies and catamarans less than 25 feet and intended for one or two crew members, including the Laser, Optimist, 470, Tornado, Star, Europe, Finn, and the Flying Dutchman. The Yngling is about 20 feet long, but requires a crew of three.

Large Racing Boats: These are typically 25 feet or longer; some, including the Ultimate 30, require a crew of six or more.

Trends

A growing number of Americans bought recreational boats, including sailboats, in the late 2010s. The internet made it easier than ever to purchase and charter boats online and to share races and sailing adventures via social media.

Kitesurfing is a popular wind-powered activity that tends to attract younger, more daring enthusiasts. The sport can be dangerous, especially when strong wind gusts sweep kitesurfers out to sea or into structures. Novices are cautioned to take lessons first.

Rotomolded polyethylene (plastic) and composite plastic/fiberglass boats have become popular for their economical cost and durability. Other modern materials used in sailboats include carbon, which creates ultra-light hulls and strong masts. Carbon fiber has become the material of choice for racing yachts.

Foiling catamarans, introduced in competitive racing in 2013, employ aerodynamics to lift the boat above water level in order to attain lower drag and higher speeds. Those carbon-fiber boats are supported by dual daggerboards that stabilize the vessel while in the foiling position. Retractable foils

Innovations in electronics have wrought major changes in sailing. Electronic navigation and performance analysis sensors and displays have become common accessories in sail racing. Meanwhile, self-sailing carbon-fiber boats have been outfitted with scientific instrumentation and sensors and rented out for marine biology, weather and climate research, and petrochemical operations.

By the late 2010s, interest grew in eco-friendlier components, such as upcycled materials in boatbuilding, battery-electric propulsion, and lighter boats. Solar sails (photovoltaic solar panels in mainsails) already provided a cleaner, more efficient alternative to diesel or hybrid diesel-electric back-up motors.

Auditory buoy systems and instrumentation now allow blind crews to sail competitively without sighted crew members, as they must at the Paralympics. This has opened up another, specialized race circuit.

Sailing for Fun vs. Profit

Sailing enthusiasts often find jobs as instructors or tour guides. Many operate their own sightseeing fleets at resorts and in city harbors. Some hire themselves out as captains on chartered boats. Boat repair, retail sales, and dock management are just a few of the full-time jobs that attract sailors. Those interested in competitive racing can earn a living as a member of a racing crew or as a coach.

Learning More

Organizations

Blind Sailing International <http://www.blindsailinginternational.com>

International Laser Class Association, North American Region <http://www.laser.org/>

Traditional Small Craft Association <http://www.tsca.net/>

United States Optimist Dinghy Association <http://www.usoda.org/>

U.S. Sailing Association <http://www.ussailing.org>

U.S. Windsurfing Association <http://www.uswindsurfing.org>

Books

Basic Keelboat: The National Standard for Quality Sailing Instruction. Portsmouth, RI: United States Sailing Association, 2003.

Driscoll, John. Learn to Sail in a Weekend. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2002.

Marshall, Roger. Essential Sailing: A Beginner's Guide. New York: Lyons Press, 2000.

Sleight, Steve. The New Complete Sailing Manual. New York: DK Publishing, 2005.