Although it can take years to learn to sail well, the basics of sailing can be summed up by how sails are structured, how boat design creates forward momentum and the changes that must be made to sail trim and shape depending on the point of sail.

20 pieces of essential equipment to have aboard

Sailors can never have enough gear so they’re perfect to buy for on any occasion. Regardless of your budget or their size and type of boat, you can find something that will delight them and if you think they’re the kind of sailor who has it all, you can always pick up something for yourself instead.

Sailors are gear-intensive and are always looking for gadgets from safety items to good books to curl up with during the long winter.

Held on the weekend nearest the summer solstice, Summer Sailstice is a global celebration of sailing—featuring races, cruises, and special sailing events all around the world.