ASA 101 Quick Reminders – Fast Sailing Rules To Remember

1. POINTS OF SAIL

No Sail Zone
Close Hauled
Close Reach
Beam Reach
Broad Reach
Run

2. Quick reminders:

Heading up = turn the bow toward the wind
Bearing away = turn the bow away from the wind
Running = sailing downwind
Reaching = sailing across the wind

3. TACKING AND JIBING

Tacking:
The bow passes through the wind

Jibing:
The stern passes through the wind

Tacking commands:
Ready about
Helms a lee

Jibing commands:
Prepare to jibe
Jibe ho

Safety reminder:
Trim the mainsail toward the centerline before a jibe

4. RIGHT OF WAY BASICS

Starboard tack is stand-on when boats meet on opposite tacks
Windward boat gives way when boats are on the same tack
Stand-on vessel maintains course and speed
Always keep a proper lookout using sight and hearing

5. BASIC SAIL TRIM

Change sail power by changing the sail’s angle to the wind
If sails flutter, they are luffing
Raise the mainsail head to wind
Turn toward the wind with sails trimmed
Turn away from the wind with sails eased

6. IMPORTANT VOCABULARY

Windward = side the wind is hitting
Leeward = sheltered side away from the wind
Weather helm = boat wants to turn toward the wind
Lee helm = boat wants to turn away from the wind
Apparent wind = true wind plus boat-made wind
In irons = stopped and pointed into the wind

7. BOAT SAFETY REMINDERS

Fenders protect the hull at the dock
Port light is red
Starboard light is green
Stern light is white
Safe water buoy = red and white vertical stripes
Any boat under 26 feet with an engine must carry a fire extinguisher