Sailing is the art of relying on the power of the wind acting on sails to propel a craft on the surface of the water.

Sailing relies on the ability of the sails to derive power from the wind achieving both lift and drag. While the vessel is in motion, the sails are set to an angle that increases the wind power. The speed and course of the vessel are determined by the apparent wind.

As the wind rushes the sails, the forces transmitted from the wind-thrust sails are resisted by forces from the hull, keel, and rudder of a sailing vessel to allow steering the course. This combination of forces means that it is possible to sail an upwind course as well as downwind. A conventional sailing vessel cannot derive wind power on a course with a point of sail that is too close to the wind.

In history, sailing ships have been the main determinant means for land and sea exploration, commerce as well as military power. A country was as powerful as the number of its commissioned sailing ships.

However, times have changed. These days sailing represents a form of recreation or sport. Sailing can mean racing where sailing clubs and countries compete against each other or cruising, which can mean offshore and ocean-crossing vessel trips, coastal sailing within sight of land, and day sailing.

A sailing club is an organisation of boat and vessel owners that cater to the needs of their members (sailors and non-sailors) through lessons and racing as well as social programmes. They can also function as sailing training schools even though some people might try to differentiate both by having specialised training and courses for sailing enthusiasts.

This blog is about sailing clubs, sailing, sailing training, racing, and cruising, upcoming events, and historical sailing vessels. You can contact us for more information.