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North Carolina Sailing

North Carolina Sailing

Now we're talking about my absolute favorite activity ever!

There is nothing like going out on the water. From getting your gear ready to letting the wind fill your sails, it is the most amazing feeling in the world!

Now, I'm not talking about a luxury yacht charter or a crewed sailing charter here. Just a nice sailing holiday on a sailboat.

North Carolina Sailing...what could be better?

If you don't know anything about sailing...we can help.

Don't worry about a thing. As a kid, I spent summers on sailboats of all sizes, from the starter dinghy that was about fourteen feet to a thirty-four foot sailboat that was like my home away from home on the Long Island sound.

But you don't need to be on Long Island. North Carolina Sailing is a fantastic way to spend a day! The cool breeze, the sunshine, friends. Do I need to say more?

If you have never been out on the water you might just have Gilligan's Island running through your mind.

Let's not go there!

Sailing has many rules to live by, just as any sporting activity. But the good news is that once you know them and follow them, it's all fun!

But remember, sailing is a water sport so be ready to get wet!

Are you getting ready to go sailing in North Carolina? Whether your going out on one of the many North Carolina lakes or other waters, here is a short list of what you should bring:

Shoes with no slip and non marking soles.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Clothing appropriate for water activities and a Sweatshirt and change of clothes.
Towels
Someplace safe to keep keys, wallet, cell phone, etc.
Bottled Water
Waterproof (foul weather gear) jacket or full suit.

Be prepared. The worst thing is to be out on a boat and not be ready for any kind of North Carolina weather. As you may realize, the wind tends to make it cooler than you think, so even if it's hot out, bring a sweatshirt. You don't want to be freezing.

Let's start with the basics...the jargon. Knowing some sailing lingo will help you to understand what is going on around you, and it might even impress your friends!

Starboard - The right side of the ship when facing forward.
Port - The side of the ship that is on the left when one is facing forward. It can also mean an opening in the side of a ship for boarding or loading.
Aft - At, near or towards the stern, or rear, of the boat.
Fore - At or towards the front of the boat.
Galley - The kitchen area on a ship or yacht.
Helm - The mechanism, a wheel or tiller, used to move the rudder and thus steer the boat. The skipper can also be called the helm.
Overboard! - Over the side or out of the boat, as in "Man Overboard!"
Mooring - A place on the water where a boat or ship is secured. Can also mean the ropes, chains or anchors by which the boat is tied.

That should get you started! Can't you feel the wind blowing through your hair already???

Let's talk about how you sail, meaning what you need to do to get going and keep going.

When going downwind, that is when the wind is behind you, you just slowly let the sails out as far as they will go and the wind pushes on them and the boat follows along.

The best way to start sailing is to find a marina that has lessons. Once you start learning you will be hooked.

First of all, you want a school that provides sailing lessons and follows the strict sailing instruction certification standards of the American Sailing Association (ASA).

Here is a list of classes you will find at a sailing school:

Basic Sailing Lessons
ASA 101
Bareboat Charter Sailing Instruction
Coastal Navigation
Basic Cruising
Catamaran Sailing Lessons

And More!

As I said, the best way to learn how to sail is to take lessons.

Here are a few North Carolina sailing school(s) to check out:

Bow to Stern Sailing School

Carolina Sailing Club

Please remember to check out what the school offers and compare your choices.

The Outer Banks North Carolina is a popular destination with all kind of outdoor activities available. Yes, even sailing!