Q&A for How to Start Sailing

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What are some of the top insights you'd tell someone who wants to learn to sail?

Nitzan Levy
Sailing Instructor
Captain Nitzan Levy is a Sailor, Social Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Sailors NYC, a recreational sailors’ club based in Jersey City, New Jersey that specializes in cruising boats and a variety of community programs. Capt. Levy has over 20 years of sailing experience and has sailed in many places around the world including: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, The Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Capt. Levy is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master of vessels up to 50 Tons with Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing Endorsements. Capt. Levy is also a NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor, an American National Standards Assessor, an SLC instructor, an ASA (American Sailing Association) Certified Instructor Bareboat Chartering, and an Israeli licensed skipper on Boats for International Voyages.

Nitzan Levy

Sailing Instructor

Expert Answer

Sailing, like a lot of things in life, is something you have to commit a lot of time to, or else it won't happen. It requires lifelong learning—every time you go into the water, you'll come across something new.

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Question

Do I sail into the wind or with the wind?

Aloha27

Community Answer

No sailboat can sail directly into the wind. Most sailboats can sail 45 to 55 degrees off the wind, and must zigzag to make progress to windward.

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What are the chain of events that cause a sailboat to capsize?

Aloha27

Community Answer

Most commonly, capsizing is cause by too much wind and skipper error in not recognizing the boat is becoming overpowered.

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Question

Can I make a sailing boat out of a kayak?

Galasy4969

Top Answerer

Yes; however, this is difficult. It is recommended that you purchase a purpose-built sailing kayak.

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Question

Can I sail by myself on a multi-person boat?

Galasy4969

Top Answerer

It depends. If the boat is designed for two or more crew, then it will be very difficult to sail by yourself. Most small sailboats, like a Sunfish, can be sailed by one person.

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