Pursuit
Sailing
Small boats to coastal cruising — points of sail, weather, and anchoring.
About sailing
Sailing rewards patience and reading conditions. Whether it's a dinghy on a lake or a coastal cruiser overnighting in a cove, the fundamentals are the same: trim, balance, and a weather plan.
Season: Season depends on latitude; wind is best in the shoulder months.
Learn these first
- Points of sail and trimming for the wind you actually have
- Tacking, gybing, and reefing before you need to
- Anchoring with proper scope and a set you can trust overnight
- Man-overboard recovery and basic navigation rules
Kit that matters
- PFD you'll actually wear, plus a tether offshore
- Reefing gear checked before the forecast turns
- Charts, VHF, and a handheld backup
- Foul-weather layers and non-marking deck footwear
Honest hazard notes
- Squall lines that arrive faster than the reef goes in
- Boom strikes during unplanned gybes
- Hypothermia after any immersion offshore
Plan a sailing trip
Sailing FAQ
Is a dinghy or keelboat the better start?
Dinghies teach faster because mistakes are immediate and cheap. Keelboats are more forgiving for family day sailing.
When should I reef?
The moment you first think about it. Reefing early costs a little speed; reefing late costs control.