Learning Materials
Sail Ahead— learn about sailboat parts, important knots, rigging and more!
Sailboat Parts
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Sailing Knots
There are about six knots essential to sailing (plus a few variations). These include the figure 8, bowline, round turn and two half-hitches, clove hitch, tautline hitch, and the cleat hitch.
Figure 8 / Stopper Knot
This knot prevents lines, like the mainsheet or jibsheet, from slipping out of a cleat. Unlike a simple overhand knot, it won’t bind and become impossible to untie. (click image for how to)
Bowline
A non-slipping loop for securing a line to something, like the head of a sail or a block. Easy to untie, but a bit tricky to tie at first. (click image for how to)
Round Turn & Two Half-Hitches
Wrap a line twice around a post or rail, then tie two consecutive overhand knots. A tug just tightens it. (click image for how to)
Clove Hitch
Two interlocking loops around a post or rail. Simple, secure, and snugs up when pulled. (click image for how to)
Tautline Hitch
An adjustable loop that holds tension, perfect for lines that need to be tightened or loosened. (click image for how to)
Cleat Hitch
This maneuver secures your boat to a cleat or ties off a halyard on a mast. (click image for how to)
Rigging a Sailboat
Marrying the Mast to the Step Pin
Learn how to properly position, align, and secure the mast to the deck.
Rigging a Sail Boat: An Overview
A big-picture walkthrough of every step you’ll take to rig your sailboat from start to finish.
Assembling the Baby Shrouds
Set up the baby shrouds to stabilize the mast during raising and rigging.
Assembling the Gin Pole
Build and attach the gin pole for a safe, controlled mast raise.
Raising the Mast
Step-by-step guidance for safely raising the mast, including how to unweight the gin pole and properly weight the main halyard.
Mating the Mast with the Boom
Connect the boom to the mast and confirm correct alignment.
Assembling the Boom Lift Line
Rig the boom lift to support the boom when the sail isn’t raised.
Raising the Main Sail
Learn how to properly hoist, secure, and tension the mainsail.
Assembling Lazy Jacks
Install lazy jacks to make lowering and managing the mainsail easier.
Installing the Rudder and Tiller
Attach the rudder and tiller for smooth, responsive steering.
Assembling the Main Sheet and Boom Vang
Rig the primary sail controls correctly and secure the boom for safe, responsive sail handling.
Assembling the Jib Sail
Finish the setup by rigging the jib sail and jib sheets.