Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons / Sailing Terms

Getting to Know Beam Reach

Getting to Know Beam Reach Understanding the Beam Reach The Beam Reach is a specific point of sail where your boat is positioned at a right angle to the wind direction. This means the wind is blowing directly from the side of your boat. This position offers a great balance between speed and stability, making it a popular choice for sailors. Mastering the Technique To harness the power of the wind at a Beam Reach, you'll need to master the art of sail trim. This involves adjusting the sails to capture the optimal amount of wind. The main sail is controlled by the mainsheet, while the jib is controlled by the jib sheet.…

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November 26, 2024
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Beam Reach
Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons / Sailing Terms

Sailing at the Close Reach

Understanding Close Reach 'Points of sail' refers to the different positions at which a sailboat can sail relative to the wind direction. Each point of sail comes with its unique sail adjustments and considerations for effective boat handling. Sailing at a 'Close Reach' means sailing at a sharp angle into the wind (upwind), typically about 45 degrees off the bow (front). To achieve optimal speed while maintaining forward direction, the boat should be correctly positioned to the wind, and the sails should be properly trimmed (set). Sailing on a close reach Mechanics of Sailing at the Close Reach When the wind comes from behind the boat, it simply pushes the sail. However, when…

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November 26, 2024
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Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons / Sailing Terms

Sailing at Broad Reach: A Beginner’s Guide

Sailing at Broad Reach: A Beginner's Guide This guide provides a clear and concise introduction to sailing at a Broad Reach, perfect for those new to sailing or looking to improve their skills. What is a Broad Reach? In sailing, the "Point of Sail" refers to the boat's position relative to the wind's direction. A Broad Reach is when the wind comes from behind the boat at an angle greater than 90 degrees (but not directly behind). This is in contrast to a Close Reach (wind less than 90 degrees from the front) and a Beam Reach (wind directly at a 90-degree angle). Sailing at Broad Reach Sails are controlled by lines called…

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November 2, 2024
Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons / Sailing Terms

Lake St. Clair Sailing School

Lake St. Clair Sailing School is located in Harrison Township, Michigan and offers a variety of sailing classes and courses for beginners and experienced sailors. They are an American Sailing Association (ASA) certified training facility, which means that their instructors are qualified to teach ASA courses and their students can earn ASA certifications. Here are some of the classes that the Lake St. Clair Sailing School offers: Basic Keelboat Sailing: This course is for beginners and teaches the fundamentals of sailing, including how to rig and launch a sailboat, how to sail different points of sail, and how to maneuver the boat in various conditions. Intermediate Keelboat Sailing: This course is for sailors…

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November 2, 2024
Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons / Sailing Terms

Pre-Departure Checklist for Sailboats

Pre-Departure Checklist for Sailboats Before Setting Sail: Weather Forecast: Check the weather conditions for your intended boating area and time frame. Vessel Inspection: Steering and Throttle: Ensure they operate smoothly. Lights: Verify all lights are functioning correctly. Fuel System: Inspect for leaks in the tank, lines, and carburetor. Engine Compartment: Check for oil leaks. Hoses: Examine for leaks, cracks, and tight clamps. Bilge: Drain water and secure the plug. Fuel Supply: Confirm sufficient fuel or know where to refuel. Battery and Extinguishers: Ensure they are fully charged and functional. ECOS and Lanyard: If equipped, check their condition. PFDs: Verify you have the required number and that they are in good condition. Float Plan:…

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October 14, 2024
Sailing Classes / Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons

Types of Anchors

Anchor Types Kedge Anchors – Used for centuries they are the traditional anchor shape we are used to. Modern kedge style anchors are lighter and have been adapted for specialized use. Sharp bills and small flukes hold better in hard sand. Broader flukes and larger arms hold better in soft bottoms or rocks and coral. Kedge anchors are often used successfully in heavy vegetation. *Softer bottoms, hard sand, Rocks and Coral, Weeds Plow Anchors – When the plow anchor first lands, it is on its side but as it gets pulled the anchor rights itself and gradually plows into the bottom. It buries itself and holds well. Because this anchor type swivels horizontally on a hinged shaft,…

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May 9, 2021
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Sailing Classes / Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons

Required Safety Equipment

Life JacketsA properly fitting and serviceable jacket for every person on board. Fire ExtinguisherIt must be a Coast Guard-approved B1 model. ThrowableBoats over 16 feet must carry a throwable device. Signaling DeviceA bell, whistle, or horn to warn other boaters. Visual Distress SignalPhoto of a hand flare For boats under 16 feet, this is required only at night; for boats over 16 feet, this is required both day and night. Different rules apply on small bodies of water, but it’s always wise to carry them.

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May 9, 2021
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Sailing Classes Near Me

Sailing Sailing is one of the world’s oldest and popular sports. Learning sailing can be an incredible experience as it gives you the ability to get out there in the water and enjoy a stimulating yet relaxing freedom that no other sport offers.   However, just the prospect of getting started can be quite daunting; especially if you have never been into water sports. To make things easier for you, we’ve answered below some of the most frequently asked questions so you can have a better idea about whether sailing is your cup of tea, and if yes, then where you can learn it from.  Is sailing hard to learn?  After reading boating magazines and how-to books,…

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February 4, 2021
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Learning sailing can be an incredible experience as it gives you the ability to get out there in the water and enjoy a stimulating yet relaxing freedom that no other sport offers.
Sailing Courses

“Learn to Race”

Learn to Race Lake St. Clair Sailing School Is Now Offering A "Learn To Race" Class! Take your sailing to the next level. Lear to Sail class is a 2 day on water class that teaches you the theory of racing with hands on learning. You will be learning as you are sailing and testing yourself physically and mentally. Racing is more than getting from one marker to another. It is a technique that you will lean on how to get to that marker the fastest. A sailor is always learning when racing, even ones who have been racing the longest. Click here for other sailing classes Some of what you will learn…

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January 2, 2020
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