How to start sailing

Publication date: 14.06.2024

Yachting and sailing are often considered synonymous terms for water sports. However, although sailing competitions are indeed conducted on yachts, these concepts have somewhat diverged and expanded over time.

Sailing sport involves competitions using wind-powered vessels. The yacht is the most well-known type of sailboat. Its hull design and sail shape allow movement at various angles to the wind. By changing tacks, the yacht maneuvers between wind directions while maintaining course.

Competitions may consist of a single race or multiple stages (regatta). The goal is completing the course faster than opponents while observing mandatory buoy-rounding sequences and directions.

The shortest route isn't always optimal - competitors must account for wind/current patterns. Yacht speed varies significantly based on wind angle, making sailing competitions less about raw speed and more about strategically leveraging natural forces. Sometimes taking longer routes at faster angles proves quicker overall.

All yachts start simultaneously. Pre-race maneuvering is permitted but crossing the start line early constitutes a false start.

Races typically group yachts with similar performance characteristics. When vessels have different speed potentials, handicap systems equalize scoring calculations.

Regattas award points after each stage based on finishing positions. The competitor with the highest cumulative score wins the event.

The official sailing competitions are the Olympic Games. Yacht racing has been included in the program since 1900 and is conducted on several types of yachts. There are individual disciplines as well as crews with different numbers of participants, including mixed men's and women's teams.

Other notable sailing competitions include:

Sailing sports include not only yachts but any water transport with sails: kites, boards, catamarans. These variations also participate in races and Olympic Games.

In northern latitudes, sailing competitions take place not on water but on ice. Winter yachts mounted on skates or skis are called iceboats.

Depending on distance, competitions are divided into coastal races and open-sea races. In coastal waters, yachts follow a specific marked route, and the distance may form a closed loop where yachts finish at the starting point. Long-distance voyages typically cover great distances and are undertaken by well-equipped yachts with powerful engines. Offshore competitions also include round-the-world voyages.

Yachting traditionally refers to travel and recreation on sailing vessels.

For a considerable time, yachting was considered a privilege of the wealthy. The practice of water-based leisure originated in Holland in the 17th century, while the first yacht club predictably emerged in England - the then ruler of the seas. Sailing races involved monarchs and aristocracy.

The development of new technologies in the second half of the 20th century made yachting accessible to a wider audience of sea enthusiasts. Sailboat construction became mass production, and charter companies offering yacht rentals appeared. Now, almost anyone can experience sailing voyages - without necessarily owning a boat, as one can participate as captain, crew member, or passenger.

Tourist yachting involves coastal sailing with stops to visit shoreline attractions. Trips are customized, requiring no special passenger preparation.

Sport yachting demands training for amateur competitions. Teams extensively practice before regattas to perfect coordination and teamwork.

Highly skilled sailors progress to professional racing, where victories bring not only trophies but substantial monetary rewards.

To truly understand your desire to become a yachtsman, you can start small - take a trial lesson at a yacht club. The water sports center will offer a ride as part of a assembled crew, allowing you to determine whether to continue pursuing yachting.

Yacht clubs offer various sailing options: subscription-based classes, training with a private instructor, or team sailing. When forming a cohesive crew, yachting enthusiasts embark on various trips across Russia and abroad, participating in amateur competitions.

The next step could be purchasing your own yacht, with options ranging from budget dinghies to expensive large vessels.

For long-distance sailing, there are many yacht charter options available. Tour companies provide boats for independent sailing or with a crew. You can also join any cruise as a passenger.

To operate a yacht, you'll need to complete captain training and obtain an international certificate. Russian skipper qualifications are not recognized abroad.

To operate a yacht yourself, you need to obtain a skipper's license. This document grants the right to operate sailing vessels up to 24 meters in length within 20 miles of shore at any time of day.

The certificate issued by the international yachting school association ISSA is valid indefinitely and recognized in most countries worldwide.

To complete the training, you should choose a certified yachting school. The course consists of a theoretical section (available in-person or online) and practical training in real sea conditions.

The theoretical course includes lectures with mandatory testing, homework assignments, and requires studying additional literature.

After passing exams on yacht systems, navigation skills, radio communication basics, and international collision regulations, the captain candidate can begin practical yacht handling exercises.

For one week aboard an actual sea yacht, theoretical knowledge is reinforced through real-time practice. Upon completing the training cruise, students take a practical exam with the instructor.

Upon successful completion of training, the yacht operating license will be issued within one month.

Beginner yachtsmen primarily gain sailing experience in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea:

Exotic destinations like Thailand offer year-round yachting opportunities along with stunning views, white beaches and amazing snorkeling.

With gained yacht handling experience, you might venture to northern latitudes. Completely different winds, tides and currents will provide massive new skills.

Long multi-month voyages require thorough crew and route preparation, but deliver unforgettable impressions from visiting uninhabited and land-inaccessible locations.