Basic Concepts and Techniques
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 2:53 pm
Every once in a while, some brave soul joins us who bought a DS and is starting without or without much sailing experience. Or it's been a while, or they know more about windsurfing than dinghy sailing. Actually, that seems to be happening with some greater frequency recently.
Anyway, I thought, I'd collect some of the more basic concepts, terms and techniques here. Not trying that in an organized way, but as a loose collection of posts, each centered on an interesting picture, graph or diagram and with a bit of discussion each.
Over time, I'll add additional posts as loosely inspired by the discussions elsewhere on the forum. So, check back occasionally.
Here are some shortcuts to particular topics. This list is not complete.
UPDATE: After some reflection, I would like to suggest that we keep this thread concentrated, so we should discuss any questions elsewhere. There's no better place for a discussion of these topics than the "Everybody is an Expert Sailor?" thread right here. Feel free to comment on my explanations (or lack thereof) and / or ask questions about these and other concepts and techniques for boat handling there. I'll make updates and additions here to reflect those and other discussions on the forum, so hop on over there and discuss!!
In case that wasn't obvious: the stuff I pulled together in this topic is based on my own understanding and often on personal experience, which may not match the conditions you are sailing in. None of it has been verified or approved by anyone. I won't be offended if you treat it as opinion rather than gospel. In fact, if in doubt, go look it up for yourself. If not in doubt, look it up anyway. Always make sure to check local regulations and safety information. Use common sense and caution. Sail safe.
Anyway, I thought, I'd collect some of the more basic concepts, terms and techniques here. Not trying that in an organized way, but as a loose collection of posts, each centered on an interesting picture, graph or diagram and with a bit of discussion each.
Over time, I'll add additional posts as loosely inspired by the discussions elsewhere on the forum. So, check back occasionally.
Here are some shortcuts to particular topics. This list is not complete.
UPDATE: After some reflection, I would like to suggest that we keep this thread concentrated, so we should discuss any questions elsewhere. There's no better place for a discussion of these topics than the "Everybody is an Expert Sailor?" thread right here. Feel free to comment on my explanations (or lack thereof) and / or ask questions about these and other concepts and techniques for boat handling there. I'll make updates and additions here to reflect those and other discussions on the forum, so hop on over there and discuss!!
In case that wasn't obvious: the stuff I pulled together in this topic is based on my own understanding and often on personal experience, which may not match the conditions you are sailing in. None of it has been verified or approved by anyone. I won't be offended if you treat it as opinion rather than gospel. In fact, if in doubt, go look it up for yourself. If not in doubt, look it up anyway. Always make sure to check local regulations and safety information. Use common sense and caution. Sail safe.