When you were kids, you probably dreamed of being the captain of a crew aboard a ship. Perhaps, you even dreamed of being pirates sailing the seven seas in search of treasure and rum. Or maybe you settled for the less adventurous but more glamorous dream of being a rich tycoon who owned a yacht and sailed from coast to coast of famous resort islands. Whatever the case, if sailing is your dream, then why not give it a try?

Sailing is the art of controlling the motion of a sailing vessel by adjusting the rigging and rudder which will manage the force of the wind on the sails. This is to change the direction and speed of your boat. Experience is required in order to refine the skills of sailing such as understanding wind and sea conditions, and extensive knowledge about sailboats. Having a great sense of direction may help too!

Today, most people enjoy sailing as a recreational activity. Recreational sailing can be further divided into racing, cruising and "daysailing" or dinghy sailing. Although you could partake in any of these activities, the two forms of sailing that are highly recommended are either recreational sailing on a medium sized boat for a short getaway or for the more adventurous – sail races!

Your first step is to learn the terminology of sailing, from knowing which is starboard and port to how to steer to which knots are for which sails. While you’re at it, there are a whole bunch of knot techniques that need to be learned as well! Do not go into sailing lightly thinking it will be a breeze, so to speak.

So be sure to prepare yourself beforehand and look up more information on sailing so that you can decide which form of sailing is best suited for you, whether you will need a first mate or not, and where are the best places near you for learning to sail! Check out the resources on sailing available at the Traveller Trail's Travelogues and Directory!