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Sailing
Questions about wind-propelled water vessels, their maintenance, handling and rules governing their use.
2,485 Questions
What is the meaning of sailing holidays?
The meaning of a sailing holiday is a holiday taken on the water. It can either mean aboard a Yacht or aboard a larger cruise ship. Usually the term is used to refer to such holidays in the south of Europe and in the Mediterranean.
What are the small openings in the side of a ship that let in light and air called?
That would be a porthole, mate.
How long did wooden sailing ships last?
That would depend on how well they were cared for.
Many of the sailing ships from Europe in the 14th through 18th century were damaged or sunk because of accidents, pirates, and wars. When Spanish ships first sailed the waters of the Caribbean, "shipworms" (teredo boreworms) became a major problem. In the early 1800's, the service life of a wooden warship was between 10 and 15 years.
With proper care (and some replacement of timber), well-built ships can last hundreds of years, as evidenced by the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") built in 1797 and still on the Naval Register of the US Navy.
Sail trim is the adjustment of the sails in relationship to the wind direction. If the sails are too far out and are luffing, one would say, "Trim in the saisl". If the sails are pulled in too tight, one would say, "Ease the sheets". The rule in trimming any sail is to easy it out till it starts to luff, and then trim it back in just enough till it stops luffing. Following this one simple rule, and you'll look like an old salt. The only time this rule doesn't apply is when the sails are trimmed all the way in and the sails are still luffing. This means you have headed the boat too far into the wind direction and you must turn boat away from the wind direction. Good luck!
What is the process of sinking?
The loss of flotation results in sinking. If a Naval officer PURPOSELY orders the sinking of his vessel to prevent enemy forces from using it, it is referred to as being scuttled.
the third mast from forward in a vessel having three or more masts
Why is the main halyard always on the starboard side?
There is not particular reason, it is merely a convention.
How many registered boats in US?
There were 12.9 million recreational boats registered in the United States in 2001 according to the U.S. Coast Guard. This represents an increase of 94,000, or 0.7 percent from the previous year.
What is the main advantage of triangular lateen-rigged sails over square-rigged sails?
I'm not an expert, but I believe you can sail closer to the wind with a lateen-rigged sail than with square sails.
What is the name for the pole on a sail boat?
The vertical pole is called a "Mast". The horizontal poles (on 3-masted ships for instance) are called "Arms" or "Yardarms".
What is a sailor's knife with holes along the blade called?
A sailor's knife would be a (folding) marlinspike for the purpose of weaving/braiding/splicing rope.
At what angle should the sail of a sailboat be to produce the maximum speed?
I believe you're asking about sailing up wind. So a better way word your question is:
"When sailing upwind, how far (or what angle) off wind must a sailboat be in order to maximize the wind and produce the fastest hull speed?"
All sailboat makers design their hulls different. However, as varied as sailboats get, they all seem to obey the same basic principles when sailing upwind.
Most sail boats are equipped with a wind vane usually mounted at the top of the main sail mast of the ship. On it are two angled indicators with red flags at the tips (one towards starboard aft and one towards port aft) producing about a 60 degree arc open directly to the stern. If the wind vane is outside the 60 degree arc, you may use the wind. If you are inside the arc, you will get luffing or backing in your sails. The trick is to line up the wind vane so that it is just outside one of the indicators and make the sails taught (but never as taught as possible). That angle is about 35 degrees off wind.
Note that your resultant bearing will be greater than 35 degrees off wind. The boat slicing through the water is not 100% efficient due to varying keels, hull designs and displacements. Also water current can effect your bearing pushing you further off wind.
Once you "gain a feel" for the angle, you'll be able to hit it every time without cheating and looking up at the wind vane for help. Happy sailing.
When did Rod Steward release the song 'Sailing'?
'Sailing' by Rod Stewart was originally released in 1975. By September 1975, it had reached number 1 in the top 40 UK charts where it stayed for 4 weeks. A year later, the single was re-released and entered the top 10.
What boats are sailed on college sailing teams?
colleges race a wide variety of boats. The main boats include:
- 420s - 2 person, 2 sails, spinnaker
- FJs- 2 person, 2 sails (smaller and lighter than a 420), no spinnaker
- Tech Dinghies- at MIT, one person, one sail, same length as a 420
How big should a jib sail be relative to the mainsail?
One a sloop, it depends on what you're doing. On racing boats in light air I've seen jibs up to 180%. That's a heck of a lot of sail to tack if you're soloing, and it's not super useful most of the time so you'd best be rich too, and have a Lot of bags. As a general purpose sail (i.e. if I were to have only one jib), I'd go from 90% if I sailed solo a lot in medium to heavy air up to 120% if I was in an area that was customarily light air (Laguna BEach, Calif, for instance).
What holds up the mast on a boat?
as far as holding "up" ... the mast is usually stepped (attached) to the deck or keel on a sailboat. this supports the gravity downward load.
to keep it from toppling over in the slightest breeze, there are wire rope stays connected at various points. in a masthead sloop there is a headstay and backstay connecting the front and back of the boat to the top of the mast. there are also shrouds (left and right) wire rope rigging (usually) that hold the mast up from the left and right.
there can also be attachments at the midheight of the mast for fore and aft shrouds as well.
What is lines fastened to sails?
They are referred to as "sheets" as in "the main sheet" for controlling the mainsail & "the jib sheet" for controlling the jibsail.
What is the main reason for assuming the help position when you are stranded in the water?
In cold waters, assume the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Position). This is where you roll up into a ball with your chest against your thighs, while gripping your ankles. This will allow your body to retain heat longer, and could save your life if it gives more time for a ship to come by.
