The term sailboat is used to describe any boat that uses sails to move through the water. Sailing boats range from small recreational day sailers to multi-million dollar racers that are able to circumnavigate the globe.
Sailboats have a long history of use for travel and trade but it is only in the last few centuries that they have been adopted as a sport for recreation. There are now many different types of sailing boats with a broad range of features. Some are optimised with one kind of sailing in mind whilst others balance a range of features for multiple types of sailing.
Sailing is a very challenging and rewarding sport that requires significant skill to master. It is recommended that people interested in sailing read as much as possible on the subject, attend training and get a thorough survey before buying any boat.
When you are sailing with the wind at your back, this is called running with the wind (opposite to sailing downwind). You may be able to increase your speed by tightening the jib sheet so that it acts like an airfoil and pulls the boat forward rather than just pushing it.
The stern of the ship is the back and the tiller is the stick that works the rudder which steers the boat from left to right. It is important that people wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) at all times. This can help to prevent people from going overboard, which is a very dangerous thing to do. People who go overboard can be swept away by currents or even crushed by the boom. If someone goes overboard, a whistle or other signal on the boat should be used to attract the attention of a search and rescue crew.
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