Learning to Sail

Small Boat Sailing at the

UCLA Marina Aquatic Center
By Vladislav J. Mikulich

Learning to Sail
Small Boat Sailing at the UCLA
Marina Aquatic Center 4 revised edition
th

(Left to Right) Laurence Tighe and Julia Sorzano in a V-15 during a Sailing IV class (c. 2002).

Original Text by Carla Thorson and Steve Orosz

Original Drawings by Rob Tokar

Subsequent revisions with new graphics by Steve Orosz

Current revisions, additions, photographs, and graphics by Vladislav J. Mikulich
Special Contributors: Eric Ohki, John Nelson, Kathy Luciano, Sean Silver, Gene St. Laurent, Chris Howard, Kevin
Richards, Sung Byun, and Riccardo Boscolo.
2006 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
without the expressed written permission from the Editor: MAC@[Link].
Earlier Editions 1995, 2001, 2004
COVER: Melanie Salter and Dom Byington sailing a V-15 (c. 2004)

Table of Contents
I. BASIC SAILING SKILLS: Part 1
Introduction to sailing at UCLA
Safety and Preparation
Sailing Area
Parts of the Boat: Capri 14.2
Wind Sensing
How Sailboats Work: Beginner
Sailing Directions: Points of Sail
Starting the Boat
Stopping and Slowing the Boat
Steering the Boat: Use of the Tiller
Tacking
Sailing Upwind: Beating
Gybing
Navigational Rules of the Road
Capsize Recovery
Person Overboard Recovery
Knots Beginner: Belaying & Figure-Eight
Rigging: Capri 14.2
Launching
Docking
Derigging: Capri 14.2

4
5-6
7
8-10
11
12
13-15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22-24
25-26
27
28
29-33
34-35
36-37
38-42

_________________________________
II. INTERMEDIATE SAILING SKILLS: Part 2
Parts of the Boat: Vanguard 15
Displacement Sailing vs Planing
Points of Sail: Speed Differentials
Steering the Boat: Use of the Sails
Steering the Boat: Use of Your Body
Capsize Recovery: Turtle
Sail Controls: How to depower
Knots Intermediate: Bowline,
Sheet Bend, & Square Knot
Tacking: Use of a Tiller Extension
Planing Upwind in a Vanguard 15
Rigging: Vanguard 15
Derigging: Vanguard 15
_________________________________
III. SINGLE-HANDED SAILING: Part 3
Parts of the Boat: Laser
Hiking Properly
Capsize: Walkover dry capsize
Sail Controls: Laser

43-45
46
47
48
49
50-51
52-53

Upwind Sailing: Block to block

Downwind Sailing: Laser
Sailing by the Lee
Roll Tacking
Roll Gybing
Rigging: Laser
Derigging: Laser

72
73
74
75-76
77-78
79-81
82-84

_________________________________
IV. CATAMARAN SAILING: Part 4
Parts of the boat: Hobie 16
Tacking: Body Placement
Gybing
Trapezing/ Flying a hull
Rigging: Hobie 16
Derigging: Hobie 16

85-87
88
89
90-91
92-94
95-96

_________________________________
VI. ADVANCED SAILING TOPICS: Part 5
How Sails work: Circulation Theory
Upwind Sailing in Gusts
Wave Sailing Upwind
Wave Sailing Downwind
Foward and Aft Torquing: Laser
Mast Rake
Ocean Safety
Three Basic Wind Shifts
Current
Local Weather: MDR
Racing

97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107

_________________________________
VII. GLOSSARY
108-110

54-55
56-57
58
59-61
62-64

65-67
68
69-70
71
Steve Orosz, UCLA Head Sailing Instructor 1995-2005, mid-roll tack during a Tuesday Night
race (c.2002).

Sailing at UCLA
There is nothing absolutely nothing Half so
much worth doing as simply messing about in
boats.
Water Rat, The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame
Our Mission
The sailing program at the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center was
created to provide a safe and fun environment for UCLA
students, staff, and community affiliates to learn the fundamentals of sailing. The classes we provide offer a doorway
into a larger world of sailing and what will be for many a
lifelong pursuit of excellence in the sport.

(Left to right): Nick Roberts and Gene St. Laurent in a V-15 on Santa Monica Bay (c. 2003).

dates and a Webcam at [Link]

What to Bring
1. Shoes with non-marking and non-slip soles
2. Sunscreen
3. Sunglasses (with Croakies or a cord to retain them)
4. Clothing appropriate for water activity: dress in layers!
5. Change of clothes and shoes
6. Towel and bathing supplies
7. A lock for our day-use lockers

Using This Manual

Sailing is an athletic endeavor, and as such, all the fundamental skills will be learned on the water. This manual is offered
as a resource to complement material covered in class and
on the water. It is not meant to be a substitute. To learn to
sail, you must get out on the water and practice!

Class Structure
All classes at UCLA begin by introducing students to basic
nautical knowledge, such as learning the parts of a boat or
recognizing how a sail interacts with wind. This is followed
by the practical knowledge of rigging a sailboat. Last and
most important, every student learns how to maneuver their
vessel in a seamanlike manner.

What Not to Bring

1. Valuables (flotation is inversely proportional to value)
2. Cell phones, pagers, cameras, or anything that might be
subject to water damage
3. Car keys
4. Wallets
5. Anything that sinks, but you would like to keep!

Sailing Jargon

Provided
1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD): life jacket
2. Wetsuit
3. Rack for keys available in the issue room
4. Day-use lockers (bring your own lock)

Sailing is a unique sport that is steeped in a tradition that

dates back over five thousand years when the first curragh
was built in Mesopotamia. The language handed down from
the days when sailing was a commercial pursuit permeate
modern sailing. Understanding the difference between port
and starboard or windward and leeward are essential in developing a knowledge base to aid you on your journey into
the world of sailing. All first time uses of a sailing term will be
in bold followed by a short definition in parenthesis. A glossary of Common Nautical Terms is included at the end of
this book for more detailed information.

Recommended
1. Sailing gloves
2. Dinghy sailing boots or wet suit booties
3. Waterproof windbreaker
4. Hat
5. Water or sports drink to keep hydrated

Preparation
Sailing is a water sport, so be prepared to get wet, especially
in small boats! The wind and the Pacific Ocean are moderating coastal influences, and as such the weather conditions
range from very warm to quite cool throughout the year.
Check your local weather forecast for the coast, and dress
appropriately for the conditions you will encounter. The
UCLA Marina Aquatic Center provides live Weather Up-

Optional items for Upper Level Classes and Ocean Sailing

1. Hiking pants
2. Rashguard for wesuits
3. Sailing safety knife
4. Signal light or whistle
5. Short piece of line for emergency repair
6. Waterproof watch
7. Lucky charm (as long as it floats)

[Link]

Safety and Preparation

Throughout the entire process of learning to sail, safety is paramount! Always place the safety of yourself and the crew
first. Never attempt anything dangerous or beyond your experience level. Go out there and have fun, but make sure you do
it in a responsible manner. Although dinghy sailing is not a particularly dangerous sport, it does, like all water sports, have
inherent risks. By following a few sensible guidelines you will minimize any such risks, and ensure a safe and fun day of
sailing.
1. After selecting a PFD from the rack, you should read the
Swimming
To be a safe sailor there is one skill that you are required to inside label to verify that you have chosen the correct size.
master prior to the first time that you step into a boat: SWIM- The PFD will indicate minimum weight and a chest size for
MING! You MUST be able to swim at least 100 yards unas- a proper fit.
sisted, and tread water while fully clothed for at least five
minutes without a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). If you
cannot perform either of these two tasks, it is essential that
you learn them before beginning any sailing course.

2. Loosen all the side straps on the PFD (2-4).

Vlad Mikulich towing a Capri 14.2 (c. 2005).

Personal Floatation Device (PFD)

Having the proper equipment aboard your vessel and using
that equipment is essential to safe sailing. The most crucial
piece of equipment you will have while on the water is your
Personal Floatation Device (PFD). A properly fitted PFD
should fit snugly around your chest without greatly restricting your movement or impairing your breathing. You MUST
wear your PFD at all times while on the water.
The UCLA MAC uses Type III Coast Guard approved PFDs.
All PFDs are kept in the wetsuit cage on the western side of
the boathouse. The PFD rack has three levels where various
sizes are kept. Top level: Large, X-Large and XX-Large PFDs;
Middle level: Medium PFDs; Lower Level: Small and XSmall PFDs.

3. Put on the PFD as you would a jacket, and zip up the

front.

5
[Link]

Avoiding the Sun

4. Tighten all the side straps until the PFD is snug. It is best
to tighten the lower straps before the upper ones.

Sunglasses are an essential piece of equipment during any

outdoor activity. It is advisable to get a pair that filters 100%
of the UV spectrum. Polarized models will also help reduce
glare from the water, and even improve your ability to detect
wind shifts. It is advisable to wear a Croakie or cord to
keep your sunglasses from falling into the water.

Sunscreen is a MUST, while sailing, even on a cloudy day.

You should use a minimum of SPF 25, and reapply frequently
throughout the day. Along with sunscreen a wide brimmed
hat that encircles both the front and back of your head is a
good investment to ensure your skins health.

5. To test for a proper fit you should have your crew gently
pull up on the top of your PFD. It is best to raise your arms
over your head for this test.

6. Your PFD should not move upwards more than 3 inches.

If the PFD rises high enough to touch the bottom of your
chin, then your PFD is either too large, or you have not
tightened the side straps properly. Adjust the side straps,
and repeat step 5. If the PFD is still too loose, choose a
smaller size. Experience has shown that novice sailors often choose PFDs one size too large. A properly fitting PFD
may save your life!

Sailing Knife
A good sailing knife made of stainless steel or titanium
with retractable blade has saved many a life while on the
sea. If you will be investing long hours on the water it is
advisable to obtain a sailing knife that can be attached to
your PFD.

He who lets the sea lull him into a sense of

security is in very grave danger.
Hammond Innes

6
[Link]

Sailing Area

There are defined boundaries of where you may or may not sail, depending on your qualifications. These restrictions were
made to provide for your safety. Do NOT sail in any area that your instructor has not specifically stated you may enter.
Sailing in the Main Channel is restricted to sailors who have
completed Sailing III. Sailing in the boat basins is forbidden.

Marina del Rey: The primary sailing area is the Marina del
Rey Entrance Channel. The Entrance Channel is divided
into three lanes by a series of white and orange No Sail
buoys. Sailboats under sail, must stay within the center lane
between the two lines of buoys.

Sailing outside the marina on Santa Monica Bay is restricted

to more advanced sailors who have completed ALL of the
Ocean Sailing Qualifications and thus demonstrated their
proficiency at handling their vessel in a variety of
challenging conditions. Please do NOT sail on the bay
without proper training and experiencewind and wave
conditions can be very challenging for the novice sailor, and
the Dockmaster will be unable to provide any assistance as
he/she will not have visual contact with your vessel.

The outer lanes are for inbound and outbound vessels under
power. UCLA sailboats should not cross into the power
channels, except when leaving or returning to the UCLA
dock. When crossing the power channel, UCLA sailboats
must give way to any power boat in the designated power
channel.

in G
Bas

Basin B

in H
Bas

Only for Sailing III

Basin C

Basin A
Do NOT Sail into the
Main Channel
Santa Monica Bay
(only for Sailing IV)

UCLA DOCK

Ou

tbo

und

pow

er

tra

ffic

rea
A
g
lin
ic
Sai er traff

Do NOT exit the Marina!

Inb

oun

N
E

pow

Do NOT exit the Marina!

*Image courtesy of the USGS.

The ocean is an object of no small terror.

Edmund Burkeke

[Link]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Parts of the Boat: Capri 14.2

Beginning sailors at UCLA start out in a 14-feet dinghy (a small, light sailboat without a fixed keel) called a Catalina 14.2 or
Capri 14.2 two names for the same boat. The older models were called Capris, while the newer models are Catalinas. The
14.2 refers to the length of the hull, which is 14 feet 2 inches long. It is a sloop rig (single mast with one head sail) boat,
and weighs approximately 340 lbs. Although designed to be sailed by two people, it can hold up to four adults comfortably
for a day-sail. To learn more about Capri 14.2s please visit the Capri 14.2 National Association: [Link]

Mast
Boom

Forward
Halyard
(on cleat)

Shroud

Outhaul
Boom Vang
Jib Sheet

Jib Fairlead
and Cleat

Hiking Strap

Tiller with Extension

Traveler

Self Bailer

Gudgeon and
Pintles
Drain Plug

Rudder

Aft
8

(Toward the back of the boat)

[Link]

(right side of boat)

Hiking Strap

Mainsheet Block and Cleat

Starboard

Port

(left side of boat)

Gunwale

Mainsheet

Head

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Thats what a ship is, you know. Its not just a keel and a
hull and a deck and sails; thats what a ship needs. But
what a ship is really is is freedom.
Captain Jack Sparrow,
The Pirates of the Carribbean

Mast
Batten

Batten

Luff (edge of sail)

tay
Fores

ail)
of s
dge

(e
ch
Lee

Jib Sail

Main Sail

Telltales
Foot

Jib Window
Halyard

BOW

Batten

Deck

Clew

)
of sail
(edge

Outhaul

Tack

Boom Vang
Jib Sheet

Mainsheet

Traveler

STERN

Hull

Centerboard

Rudder
9
[Link]

Hank

Robert N. Rose

ai

l)

Hank

Head

Head

Batten

de

of

sa

Clew

Clew
Bullet

The perfection of a yachts beauty is that

nothing should be there for only beautys sake.
John

Batten

Foot (side of sail)

MacGregor

Batten

MAIN SAIL

Tack Cringle

[Link]

10

Hank

fs

JIB SAIL

eo

Hank

sid

Tack

Cunningham Grommet

Clew

Luff (side of sail)

Jib Sheets

i
h(s
ec
Le

il)

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Hank

(
ff
Lu

Telltale
Foot (side of sail)

Boltrope

Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands

have ever made.

Hank

Tack

of sail)
Leech
(side

Sailors depend on the wind to power their boats. It is essential that you know where the wind is coming from at all times in
order to use it effectively. Wind direction is usually defined by the direction FROM which it is coming. For example, a
southwest wind blows FROM the southwest. (Exception: An offshore breeze comes from the shore and blows toward the
water, an onshore breeze comes from the water and blows toward the shore).

TW

AW

AW

TW
AW

TW

TW

3
2
1

TW = True Wind
AW = Apparent Wind
WM = Wind of Motion

True Wind
The true wind is the wind experienced by a stationary
observer. It shifts regularly, and should be monitored
constantly while sailing. There are a number of ways to
determine the direction of the true wind. Flags at the marina
will fly away from the wind, as will loose sails on a nonmoving boat (Boat #1). Smoke will blow away from the
wind. Moored vessels will point toward the wind, and ripples
on the surface of the water move with the wind.

Windward side

WM

Leeward side (Side boom is on)

WM

(Opposite side the boom is on)

WM

directly at the apparent wind. This technique should be used

as often as you would check the rear view mirror while
driving. Additionally, the boat may be equipped with shroud
telltales (a piece of yarn or other light-weight material),
which will flow away from the apparent wind direction.

Wind Shifts

The wind of motion is the wind generated by a moving

object. If a cyclist travels at 10 m.p.h. with no true wind
present, then she will experience a 10 m.p.h. wind coming
from the direction she travels towards.

The wind never maintains a constant direction and will shift

frequently. As a sailor you must keep track of where the
wind is coming from to sail effectively and safely. Shifts in
direction are often accompanied by changes in wind speed.
Keep an eye on the surface of the water where you may see
dark wrinkled patches, or cats paws, (indicating an
increase in wind speed: a gust or puff) or light glassy areas
(indicating a decrease in wind speed: a lull).

Apparent Wind

Sides of a boat

The apparent wind is the combination of the true wind

and the wind of motion. The wind that drives a sailboat is
the apparent wind! The apparent wind is lightest when a
boat is travelling in exactly the same direction as the true
wind (Boat 4); and becomes progressively stronger as a
boat sails closer to the wind (Boat 2 vs 3). The apparent
wind can be easily detected while you are sailing. To
determine its direction, turn your head toward the wind until
you feel the breeze on both ears. Once you feel even
pressure on both sides of your face, you are looking

The direction of the wind is so central to sailing that sailors

refer to the boats two sides in terms of their relation to the
wind. The side over which the wind passes first is called
windward (toward the direction from which the wind blows),
while that over which the wind passes last is called leeward
(away from the direction from which the wind blows). The
modern definition, which accounts for downwind sailing,
uses the position of the boom to determine the leeward and
windward sides of a boat. The side that the boom naturally
lies on is always the leeward sidesee Boat #4.

Wind of Motion

11

[Link]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Wind Sensing

Before you begin sailing, it will help to have an understanding of how the hull, sails, and blades (centerboard and rudder)
interact to produce forward drive.

Sideways/Heeling Force

Driving Force
All sailboats derive their power from wind. A sailboat can
operate in two different modes. The first mode is commonly
referred to as the Push Principle. The picture below demonstrates how a sail acts like a large parachute, which catches
air, and pushes a boat along the water.

Wind

There is a sideways force that is produced by a sail during

lift. This sideways force is resisted by the centerboard (a
retractable plate that projects below the bottom of a sailboat)
as well as the hull and rudder to a lesser extent in a dinghy.
Therefore your boat will slide to leeward if the centerboard is
up while attempting to sail upwind.

Sideways Force

(leeward side)

(winward side)

Resistance to
Sideways Force
by Blades
The push principle is perfectly adequate when your destination is downwind (away from the direction which the wind
blows). But what if you need to make progress toward the
wind (upwind)? In this case your sails must utilize the principle of lift (an aerodynamic force). A sail generates lift as air
flows across the two sides of the curved surface of the sail.
For the most part, this is very similar to the way an airplane
wing produces lift. In short, the air on the windward side of
the sail has greater amount of pressure than that on the
leeward side, due to a difference in the overall speed of the air
on each side of the sail (Bernoulli's Principle).

Wind
High Pressure
(windward side)

Low Pressure
(leeward side)

This sideways force and resistance of the centerboard will

manifest itself as a rotational motion (a force that causes the
sideways tilt on a boat that is at a right angle to the line from
the bow to stern) that can be counterbalanced by the
skippers and crews weight. Proper position by both the
skipper and crew is essential for a sailboat. If one or both
members are on the leeward side of a boat in a moderate to
strong breeze a capsize (boat tips onto its side) is likely.

R
M otat
ot ion
ion a
l

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

How Sailboats Work: Beginner

Sideways Force

Resistence to
Sideways Force
Riccardo Boscolo in a Laser during a Sailing IV class (c. 2002).

12
[Link]

Skippers
Weight
Resists
Heeling

The direction of a boat, relative to the angle of the wind, is often referred to its Point of Sail. The points of sail can be
divided into three main categories: the no-sail zone, sailing upwind, sailing offwind.

No-Sail Zone
Sailboats can only move through the water when the sails
catch the wind. To sail towards the wind a sailboat must
utilize the lift principle. For most boats, lift is first achieved
at an angle roughly 45 on either side of the true wind.
Therefore sailboats cannot sail straight into the wind,
because they cannot generate lift.

Progress toward the wind is made by sailing a zigzag course

(beating). To see a full explanation of beating please refer to
page 20.

WIND

If the bow is too close to the true wind direction, the sails
will begin to luff (flap or flutter in the wind), and the boat will

slow down, eventually starting to drift backwards. This

predicament is traditionally referred to as being In Irons. A
boat in irons has entered the No-Sail Zone or No-Go Zone.
You cannot sail in that direction no matter where you are on
the ocean, nor what you do with your sails. Your boat can
sail in every other direction, approximately 270.

Wind

Points of Sail

13
[Link]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Sailing Directions: Points of Sail

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Sailing Upwind
There are two points of sail used to reach an upwind
destination: close-hauled (beating) and close reach
(fetching).
Close-hauled (approximately 30 to 50 off the wind;
depending on your vessel and the strength of the breeze.
For any boat and given condition, there is only one closehauled angle.)
A close-hauled course is defined as sailing as close as
possible to the wind without the sails luffing. To achieve a
close-hauled course, the sails MUST be sheeted-in (to draw
the sail in towards the centerline of the boat by pulling on
the free end of the line) fully, the centerboard should be
completely down, and the skipper shall steer the vessel to
the edge of the no-sail zone. It is unique, in that unlike all
other points of sail, the boat is driven to the sail trim rather
than constantly adjusting the sails for the angle of the boat.
Close Reach (between close-hauled to <90 off the wind)
A close reach course is achieved when sailing upwind with
the bow pointed above 90 off the true wind, yet below a
close-hauled course. The sails are eased out slightly
compared to a close-hauled course, and the centerboard can
be anywhere from completely down to one-quarter up
depending on your angle to the wind. The closer you are to
the wind the more you must sheet it, and the further down
the centerboard should be.

ineffectiveness of centerboard when at an angle (see page

12). Too much heel (the sideways tilt on a boat that is at a
right angle to the line from the bow to stern) will also cause
the boat to turn. Maintaining a sharp leeward heel will induce
weather helm (the tendency of the boat to turn to windward
due to the heel of the boat). The heel will force you to
constantly pull on the tiller to track a straight course. If your
boat heels significantly, hike out or sheet-out in order to
flatten the boat. Conversely you should not hike out so far
that you cause the boat to heel to windward. Windward heel
will induce lee helm (the tendency for the boat to turn away
from the wind). Attempt to achieve a neutral helm by sailing
the boat completely flat.

Offwind Sailing
There are three points of sail in regards to offwind sailing:
beam reach, broad reach, running.
Beam Reach ( 90 off the wind)
Beam reaching is sometimes referred to as sailing across the
wind. It is achieved when the true wind blows directly over
the windward side of the boat at a 90 angle from the bow.
The sails are eased out roughly halfway, and the centerboard
is partially up (one quarter to a half depending on the boat
and wind conditions). It is the fastest point of sail for most
boats! In a moderate to strong breeze a lightweight dinghy
will begin planing (rise up on top of the water and accelerate
enough to break free from its bow wave).
Broad Reach (91-170 off the wind)
On a broad reach the wind will be coming over the rear quarter
of the boat. The sails are trimmed in anywhere from halfway
to almost fully out while the centerboard is half to three
quarters up. NB: The closer the angle of the wind the more
you must sheet-in and the further down the centerboard
should be.

Hiking out

Jeroen Molemaker on a close reach during a Tuesday Night Race (2003)

Hiking out: When sailing upwind in 8 or more knots of breeze

on either a close-hauled or close reach course you will need
to hike out (adjust your weight to windward) to stop the
boat from heeling excessively ( >10 ). The more that you
sheet-in, the more the boat will heel to leeward. This is normal,
and you should compensate by hiking out further.
To hike out, sit on the gunwale (the edge of the boat where
the hull connects to the deck), secure your feet under the
hiking strap (a band of cloth attached to the cockpit used to
restrain a sailors feet while hiking), and lean out over the
water. If the boat heels too far, it will slow down as the hull
drags through the water, and slides sideways due to the

Steve Orosz on a broad reach in 20+ knots of breeze (c. 2004).

Run (171 to 180 off the wind)

On a run the wind is coming directly over your stern (back
end of the boat). The mainsail is eased out all the way and
your centerboard may be brought up completely. This will
make the boat less stable, and should not be attempted by

14

[Link]

Tack: Starboard vs Port

The booms position is used to describe which tack you are
on. If it is over the port side then you are on a starboard
tack.

Wind

Starboard Tack Boat

When sailing downwind, the boat should have a slight

windward heel to achieve a neutral helm. Usually the crew
and the skipper sit on opposite sides of the boat for balance.
The skipper should sit further forward, so that the stern
does not drag through the water.

If it is over the starboard side of the vessel you are on a port

tack.

Port Tack Boat

Wind

On a run the sails can be trimmed either to port or to

starboard. You may choose to trim the mainsail on one side
and the jib on the other (Wing and Wing).
This is more efficient, because it allows the wind to fill both
sails unimpeded. By trimming your sails Wing and Wing
you can detect wind shifts easily. If the jib collapses, then
the wind has shifted to windward, which means you will
need to pull the tiller toward you to fill both sails. If the
boom rises slightly, the wind has shifted towards leeward.
Once the wind reverses direction, and begins to blow over
the leeward side first you are sailing by the lee. Be careful!
Sailing by the lee risks an accidental gybe (the boom flies
uncontrolled across the boat). If the mainsail luffs or the
boom rises slightly push the tiller toward the mainsail to
avoid an accidental gybe.

Its scary to have a 30 foot wave chasing you.

If you are steering, you dont look back. The crew
looks back for you, and you watch their faces.
When they look straight up, then get ready!
-Magnus Olsson

is
on
po
rt
sid
eo
fb
oa
t

t
oa
fb
eo
sid

Several boats on a RUN using

the Wing and Wing method.

d
ar
bo
ar
St

Bo
om

rt
Po

t
oa
b
of
e
sid

om
Bo

on
is

t
oa
b
f
eo
d
i
ds
r
a
bo
r
sta

To summarize: the closer your vessel is to the wind the

closer the sails must be to the centerline of the boat, and the
further down your centerboard must be. Attempt to sail your
boat with a neutral helm by being flat or as close to flat as
possible by adjusting your weight laterally in the boat so
that you feel no pressure from the tiller.

15
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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

beginning sailors in moderate to strong breezes. You will

feel a decrease in wind speed because you are moving with
the wind. The shroud telltales should stream toward the
bow, but in light winds they may hang limply. The best
indication of a true run can be found in the behavior of your
sails. When both sails are on one side the jib will flutter
limply. This is an indication that the mainsail is cutting off
wind flow to the jib since the boat is operating on the push
principle.

Starting your boat to move is relatively easy. The key is knowing where the wind is coming from. If your boat is pointing
downwind, it will naturally begin to move via the push principle. If your boat is pointing upwind you will need to properly
trim (pull in) your sails to achieve lift and thus move the boat.
placed on the forward one-third of the jib (one each side of
the sail).

Starting Upwind
Make sure that your centerboard is down, and that your
tiller is centered. Your sails will be luffing, and the boat will
be stopped (drifting downwind slowly), while the bow is
pointing upwind, but not in the no-sail zone.

Telltales
Luffing Sail
Bow pointing on
close reach
course

Wind

The telltales show if the air flow is smooth or turbulent.

Novices sailors should attempt to to keep the telltales flowing
directly aft when first learning to sail. Maximum power is
obtained when the air flows smoothly across both the
leeward and windward sides of the sail, which depends on a
good angle of attack.

Chord (use
Leech

Boom to visualize)

nd
Wi

Luff
wire

Begin trimming your sheets until the sails begin to fill. As

the mainsail and jib move towards the center of the boat the
angle of attack (the angle between the sail and the apparent
wind) will change.
Angle of
attack

Luff

Leeward Telltale

Good Trim

Windward telltale

Sail

For every point of sail, there is a perfect angle of attack.

Sails can be perfectly trimmed, over trimmed (stalled), or
under trimmed (luffing). It is easy to tell when your sails are
under trimmed as a luffing sail will flap or flutter, but it may
be difficult to tell if your sails are stalled.

Rule of thumb: When in doubt, let it out!

Luff
wire

If your tiller is straight the boat will begin to track smoothly

through the water. If your tiller is not straight it will deflect
water as the boat begins to move, and will consequently act
as a break making it difficult to start.

Luff
wire

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Starting the Boat

Luffing

Stalled

Do not get too caught up with the telltales. Remember to

keep your head out of the boat. Many a new sailor has run
aground while paying total and complete attention to the
telltales!

Telltales (a piece of lightweight yarn or nylon used to

determine wind direction or sail trim) are often used to monitor
the wind flow over the sails. You should have two telltales

The pessimist complains about the wind; the

optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts
the sails.
William Arthur Ward

16
[Link]

Controlling a sailboat means not only knowing how to use the wind to move the boat, but also how to stop the boat. Once
you can find the wind, it is relatively easy to get the boat moving. To stop the boat, however, the wind cannot simply be
shut off. You must somehow keep the wind from catching the sails in order to stop.
There are two easy ways to stop a boat: adjust the angle of
the boat relative to the wind or adjust the angle of attack.
Both methods require that the boat be heading upwind for
the vessel to stop.
In Irons: To enter irons one must turn the bow into the nosail zone. If the bow of your boat is in the no-sail zone, the
boat will slow, and eventually stop. Going into irons can be
useful if you need to stop to adjust the rigging on the boat,
or if you are docking. When stopped, the tiller will not
function; it needs water to flow across the surface in order
to work.

The sails do not

fill and the boat
lies helpless and
unsteerable

Luffing Sail

WIND

Therefore getting out of irons can be difficult. To get out of

irons, pull the jib sheet taut on one side or better yet backwind
(push the sail out against the wind ) the sail. The jib will
begin to fill and push the bow away from the [Link] boat
will also drift downwind. This is called Backing Out of
Irons. You will end up on a port tack if you back your jib to
port. Once out of irons, center the tiller, trim in the sails, and
be on your way.

Jib sheet pulled to port

Safety Position: Being in irons has the disadvantage of

limiting your ability to maneuver. You should be able to stop
the boat briefly, and start moving again quickly in order to
accomplish a simple task, such as switching skippers or
adjusting a sail control. By sheeting out the sails and spilling
all the wind so that they luff completely, the boat will slow
and even stop. This is called the Safety Position. The safety
position will only work on a close reach or beam reach. On
a broad reach or a run, the wind coming from astern will
continue to fill the sails no matter how far you sheet out. On
some boats the safety position will not work on a beam reach
if the shrouds are placed far enough aft to prevent the sails
from luffing.

Wind
Getting out of the safety position is much easier than getting
out of irons. You simply sheet-in until the sails fill with wind,
and youre on your way again.
Slowing: Sometimes you will want to slow the boat rather
than stop. If your boat is pointing upwind sheet out slowly.
The front part of your sail will luff, but your boom will not
swing back and forth as the vessel slows.

Front Edge
of Sail Luffs
as Boat
Slows

1
The bow
moves away
from the
backwinded
sail

Boat is ready to sail away

on a port tack

17

[Link]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Stopping and Slowing the Boat

A sailboat can be steered by using the helm (a wheel or tiller), the sails, the angle of heel, or any combination of these. The
novice skipper should focus on properly using the helm when first learning to sail.
Or you can turn away from the wind (fall off) by pulling the
tiller away from the mainsail.

Pull the tiller

away from the
mainsail

WIND

Once aboard the vessel the helmsperson (the skipper) should

always sit on the windward side (opposite the boom) of the
boat. In this position he/she will face the sail, and take hold
of the tiller (the stick which is attached to the rudder used to
control the direction of the vessel) with the aft (toward or
near the back end of the boat) hand. In the fore (toward or
near the bow of the boat) hand the skipper will hold the
mainsheet (the line attached to the boom used to control the
angle of the attack).

e
ov
(m
ff
ll o
Fa
m
fro
ay
aw
)
nd
wi

To steer the vessel, the helmsperson must move the tiller in

the opposite direction from which he/she wants to turn. The
tiller works by diverting water that flows around the rudder;
therefore the boat must be moving to turn efficiently. The
tiller should be handled in a firm smooth manner. Sudden
jerky movements disrupt the laminar flow of water across
the surface of the rudder, and thus causes the tiller to act as
a brake.
Boat movements are described in terms of the boats relation
to the wind. You can turn the boat toward the wind (head up)
by pushing the tiller toward the mainsail.

WIND

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Steering the Boat:Use of the Tiller

Push the tiller

towards the
mainsail

)
ind
w
the
rds
a
tow
ve
o
m
p(
u
ing
ad
e
H

Tiller is straight
after altering
course!
Therefore the boat will turn in the opposite direction that
you move the tiller. In order to go straight, remember to keep
the tiller centered in the boat!
As mentioned above the helmsperson ALWAYS sits
opposite the mainsail with his or her feet under the hiking
straps. The crew on the other hand is responsible for
balancing the boat, and maintaining stability by resisting
the various forces that cause pitching (up and down
movement of the boat) and rolling (side to side movement
of the boat). When first learning to sail a dinghy it is best
to attempt to sail the boat perfectly flat. The crew should
use his or her body weight to accomplish this feat. Under
most conditions the crew will sit directly forward of the
helmsperson, and the two will move as a unit to balance the
boat.

Skipper and crew on windward side of boat

to achieve a balanced boat.

Tiller is straight
after altering
course!

18
[Link]

To tack is to turn a sailboat through the wind, whereby the bow of the boat passes through the eye of the wind first. Your
boat will enter the no-sail zone from one side and exit the other.

WIND

1. Before the Tack

The helmsperson and crew make sure that it is safe
to tack by checking for obstructions, such as traffic.
Your boat should be on a close-hauled/close reach
course, and MOVING through the water. Your rudder
will not work unless your boat is moving!
The helmsperson should uncleat the main sheet,
but not release it. Keep tension on the sheet.
2. Communicate
The helmsperson announces, Ready to tack!
while selecting a land reference to steer for at the
completion of the tack (approximately 90 from
current course if close-hauled)
The crew uncleats the leeward jib sheet, but holds
tension in his/her hands, and then responds,
Ready. If the crew spots an obstruction or
possible problem he or she should emphatically
reply, No!

6
5

3. Begin Tack
The helmsperson calls out, tacking! or hard alee as he or she pushes the tiller toward the
mainsail (to leeward).
4. While Tacking
The bow will turn toward the wind. As the boat
turns into the no-sail zone, the sails will luff.
When the boat is directly into the wind, the boom
will be centered in the boat.

3
2
1

5. While Tacking Part II

The crew releases the old working jib sheet (the jib
sheet used to control the angle of attack for the
jib), ducks under the boom, switches sides on the
boat, and sheets in the new working jib sheet. Do
not release the jib early, allowing it to luff wildly, or
haul in on the lazy sheet (the jib sheet that is not
used to control the angle of attack of the jib) on the
new side before the boat has fully turned to the
new tack. Let the wind push the jib across the boat.
The helmsperson keeps the tiller hard to leeward,
and continues the turn until the wind is clearly
pushing the boom and mainsail onto the new side
of the boat. Once the wind has filled the sails,
center the tiller, set your new course, and trim your
sails. The helmsperson must also switch sides on
the boat during the turn. The easiest time to cross
under the boom is while the bow is in the no-sail
zone. It is best to face forward, exchanging the
tiller and main sheet behind your back.
6. Completed Tack
You should be on the opposite tack close-hauled.

19

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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Tacking

A sailboat cannot head straight for a given point directly upwind, thus sailors must zigzag back and forth across the wind
(beat) to get to an upwind destination.

WIND

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Sailing Upwind: Beating

To properly sail to windward, one must be on a closedhauled course. This point of sail is refered to as beating,
because the boat will often be bashing into the waves rather
than running along them easily.

Boat tacks
back onto
starboard.

Sailing upwind requires proper body position by both the

helmsperson and crew. Ideally the helmsperson and crew
should be sitting on the windward side of the boatunless
the wind is light. Depending on the strength of the wind one
or both will begin to hike out.
To hike out, sit on the gunwale (the edge of the boat where
the hull connects to the deck) secure your feet under the
hiking straps, and lean out over the water. Do not allow the
boat to heel excessively in either direction! If the boat heels
too far, it will slow down as the hull drags through the water
and slides sideways because the centerboard cannot fully
resist the sideways force (see page 12).

3
The boat tacks onto
port.

The most common problems while tacking upwind are:

1. The boat stops turning while in the no-sail zone. To avoid
this problem make sure that you firmly push the tiller all the
way across the boat during the turn, and do not allow it to
center or reverse until after your sail has passed through the
no-sail zone and your boat is on the new course. Also it is
paramount that your boat be moving with speed before you
attempt a tack.

2
The boat tacks onto
starboard. The skipper and crew switch
sides!

2. The crew does not uncleat the old jib sheet, and the sail
ends up being backwinded. The crew should uncleat the jib
sheet, and hold tension on it when the helmsperson announces the tack. As the crew crosses to the new windward
side of the boat he/she should release the old sheet, and
begin to haul in on the new working one.

1
A port tack boat on a close-hauled course
heading upwind. The crew and skipper
are on windward side of boat to keep the
boat flat.

3. The boat turns too far through the wind, and the boat
begins to sail on a deep close reach. Although this problem is
much better than getting stuck in irons, it is still an issue for
many beginning sailors. Make sure that you establish a new
heading based on land references, and watch the position of
your boom during the turn.

20

[Link]

1. Before the Gybe

The helmsperson and crew make sure that it is safe
to gybe by checking for an obstruction such as
traffic.
When first learning to gybe it is best to gybe from
a reach to a reach instead of a run to a run.

WIND

To gybe (alternative spelling, jibe) is to turn a sailboat through the wind whereby the stern of the boat passes through the
eye of the wind first. Your boat will turn away from the wind until your boom can swing to the opposite side. Although
tacking is easier and safer than gybing, especially in strong winds, gybing is an important maneuver to use when running
or reaching to a downwind destination. To tack you must turn at least 90, whereas to gybe you need only turn a few
degrees. However, gybing is inherently more dangerous, because of the great force with which the wind can carry the boom
across the cockpit if you do not control the turn. The boom must travel from all the way out on one side to all the way out
on the other. Controlling the boom is the most important factor to gybing safely.

2. Communicate
Helmsperson announces, Prepare to gybe! while
selecting a land reference to steer for at the
completion of the gybe.
With jib sheets uncleated and held in each hand, the
crew responds, Ready. If the crew spots an
obstruction or possible problem he or she should
emphatically reply, No!

3. Begin Gybe
The helmsperson moves the tiller gradually towards
the windward side of the boat (away from the boom).

4. While Gybing
The crew lets the jib luff while the helmsperson
begins slowly pulling in the main sheet.
5. While Gybing Part II
As the stern crosses the eye of the wind the
helmsperson grabs the main sheet, and begins
pulling until the boom is to centerline and then calls
out, gybe-ho! There should be very little pressure
on the sail if the boat is truly dead downwind and
moving quickly. If you have problems pulling the
sail across you are attempting the maneuver too
early (while reaching).

6. While Gybing Part III

The helmsperson lets the boom cross to the new
leeward side while easing the main sheet.
The crew crosses to the new windward side and
begins to sheet in the jib.

7. While Gybing Part IV

The helmsperson crosses to the new windward side,
and centers the tiller without switching hands. Once
situated on the new side and on the new course,
the helmsperson will exchange the tiller and sheet
hands.
8. Completed Gybe
You should be on the opposite tack.

7
21

[Link]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Gybing

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Navigational Rules of the Road

There are basic navigation rules on the water which all boaters must obey. The skipper of a vessel is ultimately responsible
for knowing and following the appropriate navigational rules. Although international water rules do overlap on almost all
instances, the text below refers specifically to U.S. Inland Waterway Rules, which are applicable inside the demarcation
lines separating inland and international waters.

Powerboat vs Sailboat

The navigational rules were written to avoid collisions,

therefore you must avoid a collision if possible, even if you
believe that you have the right of way in a crossing
situation. The navigational rules will not exonerate a skipper
of actions that are considered to be outside the ordinary
practice of a seaman (ie avoiding a collision when possible
is always an ordinary practice of seamanship)[Rule 2(a)(b)].

Powerboat: Give-way
vessel

If you are ever in danger of an imminent collision, DO NO

PANIC, follow this simple ruleTILLER TOWARD
TROUBLE. The boat moves in the opposite direction from
the tiller, so aim it at whatever you want to avoid, and the
boat should turn away (unless, of course, the danger is
straight ahead and the tiller is pointing at the danger).
The rules are based on maneuverability, and all of the
regulations specify what actions should be taken when two
or more boats meet. The more maneuverable vessel generally
gives way to the less maneuverable vessel.

Sailboat: Stand-On
Vessel

Terminology:
The Give-Way Vessel is obligated to keep out of the way of
another vessel (as directed by the Navigational Rules) and
shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to
keep well clear of the stand-on vessel.
The Stand-On Vessel is obligated to maintain her course
and speed (so that the give-way vessel may keep well clear).
However, the General Rule of Responsibility [Rule 2(a)(b)]
dictates that a the stand-on vessel must avoid a collision if
the give-way vessel takes no action.

2. Overtaken/Overtaking: No matter what type of vessel, a

boat overtaking another must give way to the boat being
overtaken [Rule 13(b).] A vessel shall be deemed to be
overtaking when coming up on another vessel from a
direction more than 22.5 abaft (toward the stern) of her
beam (at the boats greatest width). In other words, if you are
approaching another vessel from behind you are obligated
to keep well clear of them (even if you are a sailboat and the
other vessel is a powerboat).

Overtaking Vessel

When Two Boats Meet

Powerboats generally must give way to a sailboat [Rule
18(a)(iv)] except for in the following seven specific situations
noted below.

Sailboat: Give-Way
Vessel

1. Designated Powerboat Area: In Marina del Rey, sailboats

have a marked sailing area in the center of the Entrance
Channel and powerboats should use the two motoring lanes
on either side (see page 7 for a diagram of the sailing area).
As a sailor, avoid the power channels! Sailboats must keep
clear of power boats when crossing a specified motoring
lane. Time your launch or approach accordingly so that you
avoid cutting in front of motoring vessels when crossing
the power channel.

Powerboat: StandOn Vessel

22

[Link]

When Two Sailboats Meet:

Opposite Tacks: When two sailboats are on opposite tacks,
the sailboat on starboard tack (boom on the port side) is the
stand-on vessel, and the sailboat on port tack (boom on the
starboard side) is the give-way vessel.

Starboard vs Port

5. Vessel Not Under Command: Any boat that appears not

to have steerage way (ability to maneuver) should be
considered the stand-on vessel [Rule 18(b)(i)]. A boat not
under control includes, but is not limited to: a power boat
with no skipper at the controls or a disabled engine, a sailboat
in irons, capsized, or with no rudder or helm control. Vessels
who are in control should therefore keep clear.

Starboard Tack:
Stand-On Vessel

Port Tack: GiveWay Vessel

Same Tack: When two sailboats are on the same tack, the
leeward boat (furthest away from the direction from which
the wind is coming) is the stand-on vessel, and the windward boat (boat closer to the wind) is the give-way vessel.

Windward vs Leeward

WIND

4. Towing Vessels: Any boat that has taken another vessel

in tow is generally restricted in its ability to maneuver, and is
the stand-on vessel [Rule 18(b)(ii)] In Marina del Rey, the
Sheriff, Lifeguards, commercial tow vessels or private boats
may be seen towing another vessel. All other vessels must
keep clear.

WIND

On the open ocean, the Law of Gross Tonnage is a tongue

in cheek reference to large tankers and container ships that
move at high speeds and require lots of room to maneuver.
Simple physics dictates that they are the stand-on vessel
and smaller boats must keep clear. A little common sense
goes a long way on the water small sailboats can be quite
maneuverable so its often a good idea for you to give larger
boats a wide berth early on and avoid close-quarters
situations.

Vessel Not Under Control

Not Under Control:
Stand-On Vessel

Windward: Give-way
Vessel
Under Control:Give-Way
Vessel
Both Vessels are on
a Starboard Tack

6. Military (coast guard and navy), sheriff, county

lifeguard vessels: The boats listed above have right of way
on all other vessels at any time due to the nature of their
function.

Leeward: Stand-On
Vessel

23

[Link]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

3. A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver: This rule

applies to LARGE vessels in narrow channels. Marina del
Rey is a restricted waterway. Very large power vessels have
difficulty maneuvering at slow speeds in narrow waterways.
These large vessels therefore are the stand-on vessel, and
smaller vessels must keep clear. [Rule 18(b)(ii)]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Etiquette on the Water: In close quarters situations, communication between vessels is important.

accident. Make sure everyone is all right. Do not admit

fault, and collect all the necessary information.

If you are the stand-on vessel and are within range, you may
politely hail the applicable rule: Starboard! or Leeward!

If you collide with a non-UCLA boat, determine its name and

CF number (bow registration) as well as the name, telephone
number, and address of the skipper.
Even if the other skipper tells you that there is no damage or
problem, please get their name and contact information and
report it to us so we can follow-up appropriately.
If the other vessel does not stop, get as much identifying
information as you can (such as boat name, type, CF number
on the bow etc.).
Return immediately to the UCLA dock, and report the accident
to the dockmaster. Fill out a Boating Accident Report, giving
a full description of the incident, relevant rules of the road
violated, the extent of any damage to the UCLA boat and to
the other vessel, and any other information that will help us
resolve the situation.

Two boats on an imminent collision. A hail

should be made!
If the give-way vessel was unaware of your presence, this
hail should be sufficient to get their attention. If the hail is
ineffective, and a collision is imminent, you should alter
course [Rule 2(a)(b)].

If you collide with another UCLA boat, determine the type

and sail number of the boat. Return immediately to the UCLA
dock and report the accident to the dockmaster. Fill out an
accident report, giving a full description of the incident,
relevant rules of the road violated, and the extent of any
damage to both boats.

The starboard boat tacks away even though

he has right of way to avoid a collision.

If you are the give-way vessel, and are hailed by a stand-on

vessel, the proper acknowledgment is Hold your course.
To avoid the stand-on vessel you should alter course immediately to pass their stern, or if the boat is very close, then
tack away.
Be courteous on the water. You need not always hail in
crossing situations. Eye contact, a nod, or a friendly gesture is often sufficient to convey your intentions. If a giveway vessel has just altered course to avoid you, acknowledge it with a wave or a thanks.
In the event of a collision: A prudent sailor does everything
in their power to avoid a collision, but occasionally, in spite
of their best efforts accidents do happen. If a collision
happens to you, treat it just as you would an automobile

24

Both sailors are keeping a clear lookout for

possible obstructions
John Nelson and Melanie Salter going upwind on a Tuesday Night Race (c.2004).

Keep your head out of the boat.

[Link]

Sailing Mantra

When the boat tips over so that the mast lies in the water, the boat has capsized. Sometimes, the boat will continue to tip
over until it inverts: the mast is straight down in the water and the upturned hull is all that is above water (turtled).Capsizes
are not unusual when sailing small boats, even for the most experienced sailors. Therefore it is essential that you learn
how to properly right your boat in a safe and effective manner.

Causes
Capsizes occur for a number of reasons including: a sudden
gust of wind, a sudden change in the direction of the wind,
a poorly executed gybe, or gear failure(e.g. hiking strap
breaks).
There are many ways to avoid a capsize, but the most
important thing is to keep the mainsail uncleated so that the
skipper may quickly react to a gust of wind by sheeting out.

Safety
If you capsize you should always STAY WITH THE BOAT!
The shore is always further than it looks, and rescuers are
more likely to see you if you are with your boat.

Swim around the stern of the boat only

3. Once at the centerboard the skipper should grab it and put
some weight on to it before the boat turtles.

Scoop Recovery
The preferred recovery method is called a scoop recovery,
because the crew is scooped into the boat as the skipper
brings the boat upright. The crews weight in the boat will
help prevent a second capsize, and will put him or her into a
position to help the skipper into the boat after the boat is
brought upright.

4. The skipper must now right the vessel. Depending on the

boat type, sea state, and weight of the individual all that
might be required is simply pulling down on the centerboard.

1. Upon entering the water it is important to make sure that

both you and your crew are unhurt and not tangled in the
rigging. Communication is a vital part of a capsize recovery,
and thus you and your crew should be constantly talking in
order to monitor each others condition. Relax, and let the
PFD support you in the water.
2. Once the boat has capsized do not hang onto any part of
the boat as that will encourage it to turtle. The helmsperson
should swim around the stern to the centerboard as quickly
as possible.

25

[Link]

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Capsize Recovery

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

For most capsizes the skipper will have to climb onto the
centerboard. Righting the boat does not require great
physical strength, but rather leverage. You must get your
weight out of the water in order to gain enough leverage to
right the boat. There are many possible ways to get up
there! Find one that works for you and use it.

8. While the skipper rights the boat, the crew grabs hold of
the hiking strap and is scooped into the boat. One person is
then in the boat when it is upright and should immediately
make sure the sails are uncleated and luffing (cleated sails
may make the boat sail away), center the tiller, and keep the
boat either in irons or in the safety position.

5. Some are able to hoist themselves up with their arms. If

you can do this it is probably the quickest way. It is best to
pull oneself up on the forward side of the centerboard as the
aft part is sharper and thus will dig into your chest if you
attempt to pull yourself up from that side. To get onto the
centerboard you should reach over the top of it with both
arms and grab the aft side. Kick your legs behind you while
pulling up with a quick stroke.

9. The skipper climbs back into the boat, either over the
windward side or over the stern. Since the crew is already in
the boat, they may grab the top straps of the skippers PFD
to help hoist him or her into the boat. Be careful not to pull
the PFD off the person in the process.

6. If you are unable to pull yourself onto the centerboard,

your crew can grab the main halyard (without uncleating it)
and toss the line over the hull to you. Once you have it you
may tie a figure eight loop on a bight (see page 28). Your
fixed loop should be just at the waterline. This will provide
a loop-rung to use to step up onto the centerboard.
7. Once on the centerboard, the skipper should get their
weight out as far as possible. Dont bend forward at the
waist keep your knees and hips straight and LEAN back.
Hold the jib sheet or halyard while you lean back over the
water to optimize your leverage. Be patient. The boat will
right.
10. Before resuming your sail, do a check. Are all the lines
running free? Are the halyards still neatly coiled and out of
the way? Is the centerboard down? Are the tiller and rudder
still attached? Are the outhaul and downhaul still tightened?
Are either of you too wet, too cold or too tired to the point
where it is a good idea to head back to the dock?

Stay with the boat until the boat leaves you: sinks.
UCLA safety motto

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It is rare that someone actually falls out of a dinghy. It is more likely that you will be retrieving a hat and not a person, but
it is essential that you become proficient at maneuvering your boat so that you can stop at a particular place on the water
when you need to.

When in danger or in doubt,

Run in circles, scream and shout.
Robert Heinlein

During a person overboard recovery your objective is safe,

efficient, and reliable recovery of someone who has fallen
overboard. There are numerous methods used to retrieve
lost crew. Novice sailors should learn the Figure 8 due to its
simplicity and effectiveness in small boats.
Figure 8

CRE
WO
VER
BOA
RD!

WIND

1. As soon as someone falls overboard you must shout

CREW OVERBOARD! It is vital that you announce the
fact that someone has fallen off the vessel to not only alert
others in your boat of this very dangerous situation, but
also to convey this fact to other boats on the water which
may injure your crew if they do not know of his or her pres-

ence.
2. NEVER lose sight of the sailor in the water!
3. If you are the skipper you must move forward without
letting go of the tiller and release the jib. If you are the crew
you should release the jib and immediately move back to
take the tiller.
4. Fall off or head up to a beam reach.
5. Beam reach approximately 5 boat lengths
6. Tack
7. Bear off onto a broad reach and travel at least 3 boat
lengths to leeward of the sailor in the water.
8. Head up to a close reach
9. Begin to slow your boat by entering the safety position.
You can always sheet back in if you undershoot the lost
sailor.
10. Pick up the sailor on the windward side by going into the
safety position. A leeward pick up in moderate to strong winds
will likely cause a capsize.

7
Broad Reach

5
Beam Reach

3
2

1
10
Safety Position
pick-up
9
8
Close Reach

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6
Tack

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Person Overboard: Figure 8

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Knots: Beginner

Lines (any rope on a vessel that has particular use) and the knots in them are an essential feature on all sailboats. As a
sailor, you will need a few basic knots to sail safely and effectively. Below are the two essential knots you will need for
Sailing I. Refer to the Knots: Intermediate section (page 54-55) for more knots such as the bowline or slipped sheet bend.

Belaying
To belay a line is to secure it to a fixed object. The horn cleat, which is a two pronged metal or plastic fitting, is a common
fixture in most nautical environments. A cleat hitch is used to secure halyards, sheets, and dock lines to a horn cleat by
tying a series of figure eight turns over the two horns. On the Capri 14.2 the main and jib halyards (a line used to raise or
lower a sail) are secured to the mast using a horn cleat.

Line goes
UNDER
cleat

Line
CROSSES
cleat

Line goes
OVER
cleat

Line goes
UNDER
cleat

Pass loop
over horn
and pull taut
TWIST line
into loop
(away)

Stopper Knots
A stopper knot is tied at the end of a line to prevent a line from running through a block or fairlead. The Figure Eight
Knot, also known as a Flemish Knot, is a good stopper knot because it is simple to tie, holds fast, does not jam and is
easy to untie. On the Capri 14.2 the ends of both the main sheet and jib sheets must have a stopper knot.

Pass the free or working

end behind the standing
part to form a loop
Pass the
free end
through
the loop
and pull
taut

Form a bight
(U-bend)

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RIGGING: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn at all times while on the dock. Rigging is best done with two
people, and should take between 10 and 15 minutes. Learn the function, not the form, since the basics you take away from
here will apply to every other type of boat you will sail. The sequence that is laid out in this manual will ensure that the boat
and sails are properly cared for. While rigging, make sure that the boat and its equipment are in safe working order. Keep an
eye out for any damage or potential problems. For example, look for a missing split ring on the turnbuckles at the base of
the shrouds (a missing split ring is all it takes for the mast to come crashing down).
1. Take the sails out of the bag and place them directly
onto the boat. Hang the sail bag on the sail rack or sail line
at the North-eastern end of the dock. Never place sails on
the dock as the rough surface will damage them.

the halyards free flying or you may end up needing to rerig them.

4. Attach the clew of the main sail by sliding the clew

bullet down the foot-track on the boom.
2. Step into the boat carefully and move aft. Reach over
the stern and turn the drain plug in a clockwise fashion.
NB: If you do not secure the drain plug, the hull of your
boat will fill with a copious amount of water. A hull full of
water will not only be difficult to maneuver, but almost
impossible to remove from the water without damaging the
boat.

There isnt no call to go talking of pushing and

pulling. Boats are quite tricky enough for those
that sit still without looking further for the cause
of trouble.
Sam Gamgee,
The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien,

3. Have your crew uncleat the main halyard from the

starboard side of the mast. Detach the main halyard
shackle from the clew hook at the end of the boom, and
pass the main halyard to your crew. Never leave any of

29
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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

RIGGING: Capri 14.2

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

5. Attach the hook from the outhaul to the clew of the

sail. Be sure to keep the outhaul uncleated.

6. Secure the tack of the sail to the front of the boom

using the tack pin. The pin is inserted from port to
starboard.

7. Tighten the outhaul, by pulling the line along the port

side of the boom, and secure it in the clam cleat.

8. Attach the halyard to the head of the mainsail. Make

sure the sail is not twisted. Insert the shackle pin from the
port side of the sail through the starboard side. Turn the pin
until it locks into place.

9. Insert the bolt rope at the head of the sail into the
groove of the mast.

10. Have your crew uncleat the main sheet. It is

extremely important that all sheets run freely through the
blocks before raising a sail. In moderately strong wind
conditions a mainsail that is cleated will cause the boat to
fall to leeward on the dock.

Start first, and increase your lead.

Buddy Melges on how to
win a sailboat race

30

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12. Look at the top of the mast to see if the sail is all the
way up (should have no more than a 5 inch gap between the
top of the mast and the head of the mainsail).

14. Pass the Cunningham from the port side of the sail
through the grommet.

15. Secure the Cunningham in the clam cleat on the

starboard side of the mast. Make sure to put some tension
on the Cunningham.

16. Attach the jib tack to the stem fitting. Make sure
the sail is not twisted.
13. Use a cleat hitch to secure the main halyard. Please
see the knots section of the manual for instructions on how
to tie a proper cleat hitch (page 28).

17. Loosen the jib halyard attached to the horn cleat on the
port side of the mast. Detach the jib halyard shackle from
the stem fitting at the base of the forestay.

31
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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

11. Raise the main sail using the main halyard which is on
the starboard side of the mast. If it seems difficult to raise,
check to see if something is caught. NEVER force anything
on the boat. Make sure the boom vang is released.

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

20. Raise the Jib and secure the jib halyard to the horn
cleat on the port side of the mast using a cleat hitch.

18. Attach the jib halyard to the head of the jib using
the jib shackle.
21. Lead the jib sheets through the fairleads OUTSIDE
the shrouds, and secure them by tying a figure eight stopper
knot close to the end of each sheet (refer to page 28). NB:
At least six inches of line should be free at the bitter end
(extreme end of a line).

19. Attach the hanks on the jib luff to the forestay.

22. Provided that the tide is not extremely low you may
put on the rudder. Pass the rudder under the traveler
(the bridle which controls the sideways movement of the
boom). If the tide is low you will put the rudder on after the
boat is brought to the windward side of the dock.

Sailing became a compulsion: there lay the boat,

swinging to her mooring, there blew the wind; I had
no choice but to go.
E.B. White

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24. Attach the bungee cord to the padeye at the stern.

Be sure to put the hook from the bottom up or it will be
difficult to remove.

25. Grab the painter in one hand and with your crew gently
lift the bow and slide the boat into the water. Lift with
your legs and not your back. Be sure all sheets are free
before this step.

26. Walk the boat to the windward side of the dock.

Have your crew hold the boat by the shroud. Make sure to
keep the hull of the boat from banging against the dock.

27. Gently step into the boat and release the centerboard
line by uncleating it from the cam cleat on the port side
of the boat.

28. If the centerboard does not drop, pull the bungee or

centerboard ring until the centerboard is completely
down.

29. Check everything. Make sure everything on your

boat is shipshape and ready for you to sail!

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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

23. Insert the pintles into the gudgeon on the stern of

the boat. Make sure that the stern of the boat is over the
water and you can put the rudder on without it hitting the
dock.

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Launching

To launch a sailboat the important principle to remember is that you must keep the bow pointed into the wind and have your
sails eased out and luffing (fluttering loosely) until you are ready to sail away. The Capri 14s are berthed on the Northeastern
side of the dock.
1. Make sure your sails are uncleated and eased. Then begin
pushing the boat into the water while holding the painter.

4. Keep the bow pointed into the wind. An onshore breeze

is the norm (wind blows from the ocean), so your bow will be
pointed toward the top of the channel most of the time.
Occasionally, however, the wind will come from inland. Then,
your docked boat must have its bow toward the marina. The
key is to keep the bow pointed into the wind!

Prevailing
Wind
2. Using the painter pull the boat towards the pylon.

5. Never leave the boat unattended on the windward side.

Hold the boat so that it does not bang into the dock.

3. Before bringing the boat around to the windward side of

the dock you should check the prevailing wind direction to
determine which direction the bow of the boat should be
pointing. Generally the wind will blow from the ocean
towards the shore. Pass the painter to your crew around the
pylon; do not walk on the outside of the pylon.
6. In order to reach the sailing area, you must sail across the
power channel, so before launching, check for traffic coming
down the power channel.

Happy is he who like Ulysses has been on a beautiful voyage.

Joachim Du Bellay, Les Regrets

34

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Clear lane to launch

7. When there is a clear lane to cross the power channel

without cutting too close in front of oncoming boats, you
are clear to launch. Remember, you must keep clear of all
boats in the power channel. It is best to pass clear astern of
any power vessels.

10. The skipper steps into the boat over the stern, and centers
the tiller. DO NOT JUMP into the boat! The boat will not sail
away if the sails are uncleated and the boom is free.

Pass clear astern of power vessels

8. The crew should sit in the boat, centering their weight so

the boat is stable.

11. The skipper and crew should be on the windward side to

balance the boat. Trim in on the mainsail and jib until the
sails are not luffing, and youre off! Head directly for the
sailing area.

9. From the dock, the skipper pushes the bow away from the
dock until the boat is approximately perpendicular to the
dock and the wind (this will change when the wind comes

35

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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

from a different direction). The easiest method to accomplish

this is to push with your forward hand and pull with your aft
hand. NEVER hold the boom of the boat while launching.

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

Docking
The goal in docking is to bring the boat to a stop, bow into the wind, sails eased out and luffing, parallel to the dock. Boats
must always be docked bow into the wind on the windward side. Never attempt to dock the boat by sailing downwind
toward the dock or by sailing around to the leeward side.
1. Time your approach so that you cross the power channel
without cutting in front of power boats, and sail across in
the shortest distance: a perpendicular approach to the dock.

3. As you approach, slow the boat by releasing the jib. Then

ease the main out.

Pass clear astern of power vessels

2. Plan ahead! You should estimate approximately two boat

lengths of dock space in order to stop (there are no brakes
on a sailboat). If the dock is crowded, do not cross the
power channel until there is enough room for your boat on
the windward side.

4. Your sails should be completely released at a point where

you have enough momentum to glide to the dock (not over
it or through it!). The stronger the wind the more room you
need to slow down. You can always sheet in to regain
momentum if you slow too soon.

Luffing
Jib
A tourist remains an outsider throughout his visit;
but a sailor is part of the local scene from the
moment he arrives.
Davison

Anne

5. As you glide slowly toward the dock, gradually turn the

boat into the wind (tiller toward the mainsail) until you are
parallel to the dock. A perfect landing is one where you
come to a stop next to the dock without hitting it or any
boats in front of you.

36
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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

6. If you approach the dock too quickly, tack away and attempt
another approach. If you stop too soon, and the boat is a
few feet from the dock, pull the tiller away from the dock,
and wait for the boat to drift in.

9. Have your crew pull up the centerboard

10. Walk the boat back to the floating dock. Do not drop your
sails until you have pulled your boat back onto the floating
dock.
7. Once docked (and the boat has come to a complete stop),
the crew can step out (never jump), and hold the boat by the
shroud (metal cable that supports the mast across the beam
of the boat).

8. Have the crew keep the boat from banging on the dock. As
other boats pass near the dock they will generate wake which
will cause your vessel to crash up against the dock

Land was created to provide a place for boats to

visit.
Brooks Atkinson

37
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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

DERIGGING: Capri 14.2

Once back at the dock, your goal is to get the boat out of the water as soon as possible! If there is open space on the float,
immediately walk your boat around and pull it up on the float. Never leave a boat rigged or unattended on the windward
side of the dock. Ensure that the boat and equipment are stowed properly and that the dockmaster is informed of any wear
and tear or other damage that may have occurred or been discovered on the water.
DERIGGING:
1. Raise the centerboard by pulling on the centerboard line
that is on the port side of the deck. The centerboard should
come FULLY up in the centerboard trunk before you attempt
to bring the boat onto the floating dock! If the centerboard
does not come up check that the blocks at the front of the
cockpit have not twisted. Be sure no lines are in the
centerboard trunk.

4. Remove the drain plug at the stern, but do not pull it out.

2. Walk the boat around to the leeward side and pull it out of
the water onto the floating dock. You should leave at least
16 inches of space between adjacent boats.

5. Lower the jib first. The jib should be the last sail raised
and the first sail down. Sails left up and flogging in the
wind break down much faster, so drop your sails as soon as
possible.

3. Unhook the centerboard bungee shock cord. Release the

line slowly so that it does not sling shot to the front of the
cockpit.

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.

Syrus Publilius

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7. Secure the jib halyard at the stem fitting and then secure
the halyard to the port cleat of the mast. Remove jib shackle
and leave the sail on the deck of the boat. Leave the jib
hanks attached to the forestay.

8. Secure the main halyard head shackle to the outhaul hook

and then cleat the halyard to the starboard side of the mast

9. Cleat the main sheet to prevent the boom from swinging,

and coil it neatly over the main sheet block. Coil up any
other loose lines.

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

6. Lower the main sail slowly, so the boom doesnt crash into
the cockpit .

10. Remove the rudder by pressing down on the rudder stop

that is directly underneath the top pintle. Raise the rudder
up slowly and place it into the cockpit of the boat so that the
rudder is pointing towards the bow of the boat. Make sure
that the nut on the rudder is facing up and not digging into
the gunwale.

11. Flemish the painter and centerboard line.

12. If the sails are wet with saltwater lay them over the
railing on the ramp and rinse them off with fresh water.
When placing the sails on the railing make sure the battens
are on the windward side of the railing. Dont leave wet
sails to dry on the grassthey will become a mini-

39

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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

greenhouse in the sun and will collect moisture (as well as

dirt) instead of drying!

mentioned before, it is very important to keep an eye out for

anything that looks amiss and make sure that any problems
get noted on the Repair Request. Your safety and fun
depend on how well the equipment is cared for. PFDs should
be zipped up and returned to the equipment cage. Wet suits
should be dunked in the disinfectant tank, hung right side
out on a hanger, zipped up, and returned to the equipment
cage.

FOLDING SAILS

13. Hose the boat down with fresh water, and do a final
check to make sure everything is shipshape. Pay special
attention to washing off all the metal fittings.

Accordion Fold: These sails get a lot of use. Proper care,

including lowering them whenever they are not in use, will
keep them from deteriorating too quickly. Keeping the sails
off any abrasive surfaces such as the dock or asphalt, and
hosing them down with fresh water if they are dunked in
salt water will prolong the life of the sails. Using the
accordion fold also ensures longer life and keeps the battens
from breaking, as well as making it easier to rig and raise
the sails next time. It takes two people to fold a sail well.
1. Spread the mainsail out flat.

14. Carry, do not drag, the sails up to the boat yard for
folding. Fold them inside the boat house on the carpet. Be
sure to collect the right sail bag (numbers on the sails and
the bag should match) from the sail line on the Northeastern
end of the dock.

2. Start at the foot of the sail (one person near the tack, the
other near the clew).

EQUIPMENT CARE: Damage or wear to equipment should

be reported to your instructor and/or the dockmaster, as

40

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4. With the other hand, take the edge of the sail about two
feet further up towards the head and fold it over even with
the foot. (The person on the leech of the sail should make
the first fold bigger to get the battens to line up.)

6. The sail is now a long rectangle.

7. Fold it into thirds (the battens cannot be folded so the

folds will not be even).

8. Your main sail should be a small rectangle that is no larger

than three and a half feet by two feet.
5. Repeat the folds, making sure that the leech is lined up
even with itself (the person at the luff end will move in closer
with each successive fold).

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer

her by
John Masefiled, Sea Fever

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Sailing I: Capri 14.2

3. Each person places one hand on the edge of the sail about
two feet up from the foot. This hand holds the sail down.

Sailing I: Capri 14.2

9. Repeat this process for the jib. Coil the jib sheets.
Coiling a Line: Properly coiling a line is important to keep it
from becoming tangled which makes it more difficult to use
later. Form the turns of the coil by making turns with your
wrist in a clockwise direction making sure to keep all of the
coils the same length. All the coils should lay flat against
each other; if they dont the line can become tangled. If they
are not laying flat then twist your wrist a little when making
each coil.

12. The sails should fit into the bag and only have no more
than three inches sticking out

13. Make sure that the sails are neatly returned to the sail
rack.

10. Stack the two sails

Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists

and turns driven time and again off course, once he
had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy.
11. Slide (dont stuff) both flat into the sail bag.

Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds,

many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea,
fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home.
But he could not save them from disaster, hard as
he strove the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all, the blind fools, they devoured the
cattle of the Sun and the Sungod blotted out the
day of their return.
Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus,
start from where you will sing for our time too.
Homer, The Odyssey

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