What is sailing? A beginner’s guide to wind-powered adventure
Sailing is the practice of using wind to move a boat across water. It can be a sport, a hobby, a way to travel, or a method of exploration.
Sailors control the wind's force through sails, rudders, and rigging. Whether you're cruising across a lake or racing through ocean waves, sailing is about harnessing nature to move with skill and strategy.
Today, sailing includes everything from solo dinghy races to high-tech yachts equipped with AI autopilots.
But at its core, sailing is about learning how to read the wind, manage a boat, and enjoy the freedom of the open water.
TL;DR: What to know about sailing
- Sailing uses wind, not engines – Boats are propelled by sails catching the wind
- There are two main types – Cruising (recreational) and racing (competitive)
- You can start young or old – Kids as young as 6 can learn; many sail into their 70s, 80s and beyond.
- Learning is accessible – Courses from Sail Caanda, NauticEd, IYT, ASA, The RYA and local clubs offer structured paths.
- Different boats suit different goals – Dinghies are great for learning, although some do great to bigger baots. Yachts are perfect for longer trips.
- It connects you to nature – Wind, water, and weather play a direct role in how you sail
What does sailing actually involve?
Sailing is more than just putting up sails. You need to understand:
- Wind direction and speed – Sailors use these to decide how to set the sails
- Points of sail – Different sail positions for different wind angles (e.g., beam reach, close haul)
- Tacking and gybing – Turning the boat by moving the bow (tack) or stern (gybe) through the wind
- Navigation and safety – Reading charts, avoiding hazards, and using safety gear
Modern sailors also use GPS, digital compasses, and even AI tools to optimize performance.
Types of sailing you can try
Dinghy sailing
- Small, light, usually one- or two-person boats.
- Great for beginners and kids.
- Learn quickly and feel every shift of the wind.
Yacht sailing
- Larger boats, often with cabins.
- Suitable for longer distances or sailing holidays.
- Often used for both leisure and racing.
Foiling and boardsports
- Includes windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoiling
- Uses boards or hydrofoils instead of hulls
- Popular for adrenaline seekers
How do I learn to sail?
In the UK, your best starting point is the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Their beginner pathway (In Dinghies) generally looks like this:
- RYA Level 1 – Start Sailing
Basic controls, turning, safety - RYA Level 2 – Basic Skills
Sail in different wind conditions, tack, and gybe safely
There are the a while variety of courses to get into. If you were to start on yachts, generally it would be:
- RYA – Competent Crew A beginner's sailing course designed for those with no prior experience who want to become active crew members on a cruising yacht.
- Build Miles - Get out there and gain some experience with mile builders and crewing opportunities.
- RYA – Day Skipper An entry-level qualification for skippering a small boat, which involves both a theory and a practical course. Once you have this you can charter your own boat with famkily and friends.
Courses usually cost between £200–£500 and take 2–4 days to complete.
Equivelent courses can be found with IYT, NauticEd, Sail Canada and other providers around the world.
What gear do I need for sailing?
Essentials:
-
Dinghies:
- Buoyancy aid or life vest
- Neoprene shoes or boots (from £5+)
- Wetsuit or drysuit (for colder weather / Dinghies)
- Watch with countdown timer (Racing)
-
Yachts:
- Life vest
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Quick dry shoes (warm weather) or boots (cold weather)
-
Both:
- Sunglasses
- Sun Cream.
Conditions vary, so gear depends on weather, location, and type of boat.
Where can I go sailing?
In the UK:
You can sail the whole of the coastline in the UK. Some favourites incude:
- South coast of England (Isle of Wight, Weymouth, Cornwall)
- Lake District (freshwater, calm conditions)
- Llŷn Peninsula in Wales (excellent facilities)
- Scottish west coast (stunning island scenery)
Worldwide:
- Mediterranean (Greece, Turkey, Croatia)
- Caribbean (ideal for winter sun sailing)
- New Zealand and Australia (strong sailing cultures)
Many charter companies offer skippered or bareboat (self-sail) holidays.
Is sailing still traditional today?
While some sailors still use compasses and paper charts, others rely on autopilots or Weather-routing software. It reallyis up to the sailor how much or how little technical assitance they want to give themselves.
When racing many classes and regattas limit tech use. Events like the Golden Globe Race ban GPS entirely, honoring classic navigation methods.
What makes sailing special?
- Freedom – No roads, no engines (When the wind is blowing!), just you and the elements
- Challenge – Every sail is different. Weather, wind, and water never repeat
- Community – Sailing clubs offer social racing, training, and events
- Sustainability – Wind power is clean, silent, and renewable
FAQs: What people ask about sailing
What is sailing in simple words?
Sailing is moving a boat using the wind. You raise sails to catch the wind, steer with a rudder, and control the boat with ropes and lines.
Is sailing hard to learn?
No. With a few days of lessons in good weather, most people can sail a dinghy on their own.
How old do you need to be to start sailing?
Kids can begin at around 6 years old in small dinghies like the Optimist. There’s no upper age limit.
Do I need to be strong to sail?
Not necessarily. Dinghy sailing can be physical, but larger boats rely more on technique and teamwork than strength.
Is sailing expensive?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Many clubs offer lessons, boat rentals, or crew opportunities at affordable rates.
What is the difference between sailing and yachting?
Sailing is the act itself. Yachting often refers to sailing larger boats—sometimes for luxury or sport.