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I could watch the motions of a sail forever, they are so rich and full
of meaning. I watch the play of its pulse, as if it were my own blood
beating there.
—Henry David ThoreauDo you know the eight most critical components to check aboard any sailboat before
casting off? How do we supercharge our sails to give us the best speed and power in
any condition of wind and sea? How can we balance our boats in heavy weather so that
they practically steer themselves? Are you prepared to handle the unexpected—such
as sheets jamming on a winch, loss of steering, or an accidental jibe?
In Th is Chapter, You’ll Learn How To:
D Inspect a sailing vessel of any size quickly and thoroughly
D Shape your sails for amazing power and speed
D Balance your boat in heavy weather in just three easy steps
D Confi dently handle problems like jammed sheets or loss of steering
The Sailing Skipper’s Eight-Component Inspection
Make a simple eight-component checklist for your boat. We’re all anxious to
get out there and start sailing, but it pays big dividends to check things first.
Set up your checklist so you begin at the bow and work toward the stern.
- Ground tackle. Our number one component—the anchor and its
accompanying hardware—does double duty as a boat brake and insurance
policy. It oft en gets overlooked, hidden on the bow roller or stowed in a
locker. First, check the long arm, or shank, of the anchor for distortion.
A bent shank means you have a useless hunk of metal that needs replacement.
An anchor shank cannot be straightened without seriously compromising its
strength. Check the screw-pin shackles at the top of the shank and the rope-to-
chain connection. Seize shackle pins to the shackle’s side with stainless seizing
wire or nylon wire ties.
SAILBOAT
(^9) SEAMANSHIP