How to read a polar plot for sailboats
The polar plot is the navigator’s friend. Below is an example for one particular boat for one particular true wind speed.
Entries by Grant Headifen
Gybe Boo Boo
The forecast was for 30 gusting to 40 knots and we were set to do race 10 – the final in the series. After Race 9 we were coming first with a 3 point lead. All we had to do was do ok and the series was ours. We were racing on Charmonet a Beneteau […]
The Wind Triangle: Apparent Wind vs True Wind
Apparent wind is a vector summation of the boat velocity and the true wind velocity. The animation we have included below shows how the apparent wind changes with boat angle to the wind, given no change in boat speed and true wind velocity. Sailing concepts like this are discussed in depth in our NauticEd Skipper […]
Handling a wind gust in a dinghy
Below, we have included a brand new animation that will help you better understand how exactly to handle a wind gust when you are sailing a dinghy. This specific animation, along with many more, will be going into our new Dinghy Sailing iBook “Your First Weekend in Dinghy Sailing.” The iBook will be available for […]
Dinghy Sailing Heading up
As an addition to our dinghy sailing iBook for kids, which will be available for download via the Apple iTunes store soon, below is another animation to help further their education. It easily and effectively explains the concept of heading up on the wind from a beam reach to a close haul. The helmsperson pushes […]
Headsail funnels the wind
The animation included below shows you exactly how a head sail will funnel the wind on the back side of the mainsail. This, in turn, will allow the mainsail to be hauled in tighter with out the wind stalling behind the mainsail. This will then allow the boat to head even further upwind. You can […]
Luffing and sheeting in
This animation below shows a dinghy that is sailing at about 45 deg to the wind. The sail is luffing (flapping) because it has been let out too far. When you sheet in, the sail will stop luffing and begin to drive the boat forward. Click on the “sheet in” button to see more about […]
Points of Sail
This is a points of sail animation for teaching kids how to sail a dinghy. This animation will be in our upcoming dinghy sailing ibook.
Private Sailing Training Vacations
One of the best ways to get some immersive sailing training is to take a sailing vacation with your own friends and family and a dedicated professional sailing instructor who can coach everyone on board to the level they desire. And, when you think about it, considering the non-breathable properties of water, it is the […]
Essential Reefing a Sailboat Tips
A good sailing tip would be to reef your boat early before the wind hits but even more essential reefing tips are embedded in this recent sailing event in Sydney Harbour, Australia. You can’t visit Sydney with out a sailing trip out on the harbour and Matt Hayes, owner of Sydney by Sail charter company […]
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