Knowledge of the basics can help ensure a pleasurable and exciting day of sailing.

Many people picture sailing as the ultimate in relaxation and serenity, and while the pleasures of sailing are many, it also requires skill, concentration, and a good deal of know-how. Experienced sailors know that "smooth sailing" is seldom the result of luck, and more often brought about by a crew that has mastered the basics of the sport.

Chris Cranner's earliest memories are of sailing with his family on Long Island Sound. Since then he's gone on to sail everything from Sunfish to Schooners, and has taught hundreds of students how to sail. He's also worked as a sailmaker and has raced and cruised all over the United States, from Nantucket to California. Here Chris spells out the basic concepts of sailing for those interested in getting involved in this fun and challenging sport:

• Teamwork.
  The crew of a sailboat is a team, and everybody has a job to do. The helmsman drives the boat while the navigator reads the crafts and plots the course. The grinder works the winches to bring in the sails, while the tailors pull on the sheets, which trim the sails and keep the boat moving. The coordinated effort of all these people keeps the boat moving.
  
• Upwind.
  There are two basic ways to sail. The first is upwind, or into the wind, where the wind pulls the boat along. In this situation, you bring your sails in.
  
• Downwind.
  If the wind is behind you and pushing the boat forward, you are sailing downwind. In this situation, you let the sails out, so they get filled.
  
• Tacking.
  Changing directions into the wind is called tacking. The command for tacking is "ready about," which gets the crew ready for when the helmsman turns the tiller hard to leeward (away from the wind).
  
• Jibing.
  Changing directions with the wind behind you is called Jibing. The command to jibe is "prepare to jibe," and then "jibe ho." This is a warning, because the boom is about to come over the deck, and the crew must be on the correct side to avoid being hit.

For more information about sailing, contact a sailing school in your area or check out the following organizations and websites:

American Sailing Association
American Sailing Association
13922 Marquesas Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-7171
www.american-sailing.com

International Sailing Federation
www.sailing.org

Sail America
850 Aquidneck Avenue, Unit B-4
Middletown, RI 02842-7202
800-817-SAIL
www.sailamerica.com