5 Tips For Planning A Sail From Let’s Go Sailing

The small boat sailing book “Let’s Go Sailing” is available from the American Sailing Association. SAILING Magazine says “The book is a sailing primer in all ways, covering all of the basics needed to get sailors of almost any age on the water. Every concept is illustrated in crystal clear detail through extraordinary computer-generated graphics that bring life to the ideas. It doubles as the manual for ASA’s Basic Small Boat ASA 110 class, but works as a standalone educational tool as well.”

5 Tips For Planning A Sail From Let’s Go Sailing

1. Wind and Weather – You should always check the weather before sailing so that you are not caught out in a sudden squall or winds above your skill level. Plan your day to maximize your chances of a nice sailing breeze and to avoid sailing in stronger winds than you are capable of handling. If you do bring your mobile phone onboard (always in a waterproof bag and secured to you or the boat), you can get an update on the weather forecast and check the weather radar (especially important if thunderstorms are in the forecast).

1. Current – Current is the movement of water caused by any number of forces including tides, wind or river flow. New sailors should avoid sailing in strong currents. One of the more frustrating experiences for a sailor is to be caught “down current” in light winds, fighting against a strong current to get home.

1. Anytime the wind is blowing toward the land – you must be aware of your proximity to that shore – since the land and the no sail zone can limit your maneuvering options. Another consideration is boat speed. Similar to a bike or car, with speed comes maneuverability, so it is important to keep moving when in tight quarters. Avoid excessive tacking or sailing too close to the wind because they both rob the boat of speed.

1. Don’t be a “Sea Lawyer” and push your stand-on status with a powerboat – sail smart and if possible adjust your course far enough away that a “close call” with a powerboat never develops.

1. Whenever possible, avoid landing your boat on a dock or beach that requires approaching on a broad reach or run. This type of landing is extremely hard on the boat and can be dangerous because it is nearly impossible to effectively slow down and still maintain steering control.

“Let’s Go Sailing” by Peter Isler – Two-time America’s Cup Winner

Peter Isler, renowned professional racer and co-founding director of ASA, has authored a book focused on small boat sailing education for yacht clubs and community sailing programs. “Targeting younger sailors, ‘Let’s Go Sailing’ goes through the ABCs of sailing a small boat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions,” said Lenny Shabes, ASA’s chairman of the board.

“Let’s Go Sailing,” is available on the ASA website (asa.com) for $24.95, and will serve as the new accompanying text for the ASA 110 small boat course. Upon successful completion of the course, in which students learn basic sailing terminology, sail trim, points of sail, crew responsibilities, seamanship and safety, including capsize avoidance and recovery, and navigation rules to avoid collisions, sailors are eligible to take the ASA 110 certification exam for the standard.

Order “Let’s Go Sailing” at asa.com/lets-go-sailing