5'
Whether you are a newly certified skipper or an experienced sailor, mastering basic onboard maneuvers is crucial to ensure safety, efficiency, and full control of your vessel in any situation. These maneuvers are essential not only in harbors or at anchor, but also when facing unexpected events, weather changes, or tight spaces.
In this article, we explain the 5 essential maneuvers every sailor should master, including practical tips, common mistakes, and key points to execute them correctly.
Anchoring means stopping the boat by deploying the anchor to the seabed. It may seem simple, but doing it incorrectly can cause dragging, collisions, or drifting.
Choose a safe bottom: sand or mud; avoid rocks or protected seagrass areas.
Calculate the correct chain length: at least 3 to 5 times the depth.
Drop the anchor at minimal speed, heading into the wind.
Make sure the anchor has set by gently reversing.
Docking is one of the most stressful maneuvers for novice skippers, especially with crosswinds or limited space. Mastering it helps prevent damage to your boat, the dock, and nearby vessels.
Prepare lines, fenders, and crew in advance.
Assess wind and current: approach under control, not force.
Use gentle propulsion and position the rudder before acting.
Decide whether to secure bow or stern first, depending on the mooring type.
A fundamental sailing maneuver used to change course by passing the bow through the wind. Proper tacking is essential for sailing upwind efficiently.
Warn the crew: “Ready to tack!”
Ease the windward sheet and trim the leeward sheet as the bow crosses the wind.
Coordinate helm and sail trim to maintain the correct angle afterward.
When sailing downwind, gybing changes the mainsail from one side to the other by passing the stern through the wind. It’s a delicate maneuver due to the boom’s movement.
Reduce speed or alter course slightly if needed.
Control the boom using the mainsheet.
Always warn the crew: “Gybe!” to avoid onboard accidents.
Knowing how to react to a man overboard situation is vital. The MOB maneuver should be well practiced and clearly understood by everyone on board.
Shout “Man overboard!” and keep visual contact.
Throw a lifebuoy or floating device.
Perform a quick recovery maneuver (figure-eight or windward approach).
Stop the engine on motorboats or control sails on sailboats.
These five essential maneuvers form the foundation of safe and efficient navigation. Practicing them regularly, in different conditions, will make you a more confident and capable skipper.
Whether sailing or motor boating, remember: a good maneuver isn’t the fastest one, but the safest and most controlled.
Acceso VIP
al mundo náutico
Suscríbete y sé el primer@ en conocer ofertas, pruebas de mar y eventos exclusivos. Contenido útil y directo para navegantes exigentes.
Sin spam. Puedes darte de baja cuando quieras.
