Learn to Sail
Learning to sail is a large topic with many parts. Terminology, learning the lingo, is the best place to start. Once some basic terms are known then learning the wind and the reaction of your boat on different points of sail is the next step. When you know how to get around in a sailboat, how to tack, how to jibe, fall off the wind and come up into the wind then it's time to practice crew overboard drills. Not only are the skills learned in crew overboard recovery important in their own right but these same skills translate into greater sailing abilities and make you a more confident sailor.
ASA Sailing Standards lists all the requirements for ASA certification to that standard. Going through these, which are taken from the official ASA log book, you will become aquianted with both the knowledge and skills required to become a successful, certified sailor. Remember, if you are not familiear with a particular term you will find it defined in the Glossary.
Points of Sail covers the details of how to get the boat moving whichever way the wind is blowing. We also cover starboard and port tacks, heading up and falling off the wind.
Crew Overboard details three different ways to return to a person who has fallen overboard. Both recovery under sail and power are discussed.
True & Apparent Wind goes into the important difference between these and what you need to know about them.
Weather & Lee Helm are the balance of the boat. This is one of the more important subjects we'll talk about. Learn the importance of proper boat balance.
Sailing Knots details the nine important knots to know. There's an outside link to each knot, with great animations, showing the details of tying each one.