| Sailing boating by the power of the wind is | | | | follow it without question. At times, your |
| as old as recorded history. We have the | | | | sailing instructor may need to issue an order |
| thousands of brave sailors who endured | | | | and have it followed immediately. These |
| wide-open seas to thank for the discovery of | | | | situations generally involve safety concerns |
| new lands. Were it not for them, we might all | | | | and time may be of the essence, so be |
| be stuck on the same continent! | | | | prepared to act first and ask questions |
| | | | later. |
| Sailing for sport goes back to 17th century | | | | |
| Holland. The New York Yacht Club was founded | | | | If you feel that sailing is something you |
| in 1844 and remains the oldest sport sailing | | | | want to try then your next step is finding an |
| organization in the United States. | | | | instructor. Sailing lessons are readily |
| | | | available in locations with sailing |
| The idea of sailing is exciting and romantic. | | | | communities. You may even have a friend or |
| The new popularity of pirate films | | | | family member who is willing to teach you for |
| demonstrates our continued love affair with | | | | free. |
| the idea of sailing and boating on the open | | | | |
| water for fun and reward. No other type of | | | | Regardless of which type of boat you are on, |
| classic boat conjures the same mental images | | | | you need to always focus on safety. It |
| as the traditional sailboat. | | | | becomes even more of an issue on sailing |
| | | | boating. Before you think about getting on a |
| Is sailing right for you? Are you ready to | | | | sailboat, look over the following tips. |
| take off on an boating adventure through the | | | | |
| use of wind power? Should you join the ranks | | | | Make sure that you are a strong swimmer. Many |
| of famous adventurers and humble travelers | | | | beginning sailors discount how likely they |
| who rose to meet the challenges that sailing | | | | are to capsize and neglect this basic tip. |
| presents? | | | | |
| | | | Keep yourself comfortable. Wear layers that |
| The answers to these questions depend on a | | | | you can easily add or remove to be ready for |
| variety of factors. First, make sure that | | | | changing weather conditions. Tie your hair |
| your goals are realistic. Sailing, as with | | | | back and clip your fingernails. Wear sunblock |
| many other hobbies, takes a long time to | | | | and carry plenty of drinking water. |
| master. You can learn the basics in just a | | | | |
| few days, but you should not plan to sail | | | | Practice in low winds and relatively shallow |
| around the world at the end of a weekend's | | | | water. Learning to sail is difficult enough, |
| practice. | | | | so boating in ideal conditions will increase |
| | | | your chances of success. |
| Hard work, patience and dedication are | | | | |
| required. You must be willing to invest both | | | | Practice capsizing. It will happen sooner or |
| the time and money into the hobby. You must | | | | later, so be prepared by learning to do so |
| be completely comfortable with the water and | | | | safely. |
| with the natural elements, as you will find | | | | |
| yourself stuck in rainstorms and other | | | | Wear a life jacket. Life jackets are a good |
| disagreeable weather conditions. | | | | idea any time you are on the water, but they |
| | | | are essential when you are in a situation in |
| You should also be able to take direction and | | | | which you can expect to have trouble. |