Things to Know About Sailboats

Things to Know About Sailboats, Sailboats are special boats that move using wind power and are generally used for recreation, sports or trade. Although motorised vehicles come to the fore with the development of technology, sailboats are still among the indispensables of sea enthusiasts. Here is everything you need to know about sailboats:

What is a sailboat?

A sailboat is a watercraft that moves under the influence of the wind. The sail is used as the main energy source. Consisting of components such as hull, mast, sail and rigging, sailboats have been one of the cornerstones of maritime culture throughout its history.

How Many Types of Sailboats Are There?

Sailboats are divided into different types according to their design and intended use:

1. Single Masted Sailboats (Sloop): The most common type of sailboat. They have a single mast and two sails.
2. Ketch and Yawl: They have two masts, but are distinguished by different sail layouts.
3. Catamaran and Trimaran: Multi-hulled sailboats and generally faster.
4. Gulet: Traditionally designed sailboats that are frequently used in Turkey.
5. Schooner: They are boats with more than one mast, generally larger and used for commercial purposes.

How Many Km Speed Does Sailboat Do?

The speed of sailboats depends on the strength of the wind and the design of the sailboat. An average sailboat can reach speeds of 10-15 kilometres per hour. However, performance sailboats can accelerate up to 30-50 kilometres per hour.

What are the Parts of a Sailboat?

The main parts of a sailing boat are as follows:

• Hull: The main structure of the boat.
• Mast and Boom: Vertical and horizontal masts supporting the sail.
• Sails: Main sail and genoa sail are the most common ones.
• Rudder: Provides the steering of the boat.
• Rigging: Ropes and rigging that stabilise the sails.

What material is the sailboat made of?

Modern sailboats are usually made of lightweight and durable materials:

• Body Fibreglass, aluminium or wood.
• Mast and boom: Carbon fibre or aluminium.
• Sails: Fabrics such as Dacron, Mylar or Kevlar.

How does a sailboat work?

The sailboat moves by using the difference in pressure of the wind on the sails. The wind creates more pressure on one side of the sails and less on the other, which allows the boat to move forwards.

What are the Navigation Types of Sailboat?

In sailing boats, navigation is determined according to the angle of the wind to the boat:

Main Course:

• Luffing: Cruising at an angle of about 45° to the wind.
• Open Apaz: Wind comes from the side.
• Stern Sail: The wind blows completely from behind.

Intermediate Viewings:

• Narrow Apaz: The course between luff and apaz.
• Wide Apaz: The course between aphase and pupa.

What are Sailboat Manoeuvres?

There are two basic manoeuvres when sailing:

What is a Tramola?

It is a manoeuvre to change direction by turning into the wind. It is the basic way to change direction safely.

What is a Kavancha?

It is a change of direction manoeuvre by turning downwind. It is faster but can be dangerous if not careful.

Berthing and Departure by Sailboat

During docking or departure from the harbour:

1. Wind direction should be taken into consideration.
2. Speed should be kept to a minimum and rudder control should be precise.
3. Ropes must be prepared correctly.

Matters to be Considered During Anchoring and Mooring

When mooring:

• An anchor suitable for the bottom should be selected.
• Environmental factors such as depth, wind and current should be taken into consideration.
• The length of the anchor rope should be 5-7 times the depth of the water.

Sailor’s Vineyard

Some basic sailor’s moorings should be learnt for safety and convenience on sailboats:

• Double Pile Tie
• Izbarcho Vineyard
• Kropi Vineyard

Sailing with a spinnaker

When the wind is very strong, the process of reducing a part of the sail is called camadaning. This increases the stability of the sailboat.

What is Bear Leg?

In the stern course, the main sail and genoa are set in different directions to ensure a balanced sailing is called “Bear Leg”.

What is a furling sail?

The position in which the sail is completely lowered and the movement against the wind is stopped is called furling sail. This is usually applied in anchoring or emergency situations.