BASIC SAILING: About this Site

• Here you will find basic, introductory information for most of the different aspects of sailing. In addition, resources are provided so that if more detailed information is needed, you will know where to go; both on the Web, and off.



• The information is presented in a simple format with some illustrations, to make the explanations as clear as possible. There are already quite a few Web sites with sailing information out there on the Web, so where appropriate, these links have been provided with annotations.



• See References for a list of the sources used to prepare this Web site.



• The site is divided into the nine topics (or categories), shown below with brief descriptions. Each of the pages has a tool bar at the bottom that provides access to all of the pages at this Web site. It should help you as you sail these "cyber" waters. Wishing you Smooth Sailing!

• Boat Types - brief descriptions of sailboat types and rigs. Contains text and seven schematic diagrams to illustrate the different boat types.

• How to Sail - brief explanation of the basic "points of sail" and how they are used to sail. Includes two links with information on basic sailing courses.

• Sailing Terms - glossary of basic sailing terms. When sailing terms are used on other pages at this Web site, a hotlink is provided to this glossary to help explain the term. Also here you will find two simple boat schematic diagrams to illustrate some of the common boat parts.

• Rules of Sailing - basic information on the "rules of the road" or right-of- way (ROW) for sailboats. Includes schematic illustrations and text descriptions of the four basic rules. Also contains a link to the US Coast Guard technical publications to download a complete copy of the International and Inland navigation rules.

• Knots - basic knots needed for the beginner sailor. Includes schematic illustrations and text instructions for six basic knots. Also contains a link to an animated knot Web site.

• Nautical Flags - brief explanation of the function of nautical flags, with a link to a Flag page that has the International Maritime Signal Flags in color, along with their corresponding meanings.

• Boating Safety - information on basic boating safety, including links to the US Coast Guard, American Red Cross, and an extensive boating safety page.

• Books & Magazines - where to go for more information. Contains bibliography of additional books and magazines of interest to sailors.

• Sailing in Western New Jersey - information about two reservoirs in Hunterdon County, New Jersey; and one Morris County Sailing Club.