Rigging a Sailboat

The exact way you rig your sailboat depends on the type of sailboat, but no matter what, there are some basic thoughts you should consider.  When you rig a sailboat, you put on and raise the sails, and in some cases put in the centerboard, rudder and tiller.

Before you get started, you will decide whether you are going to rig your boat at the dock, or motor away from the dock and rig your boat on the water.  Either way, the best position to rig your boat is with the bow pointed towards where the wind is coming from.  This is allows you to raise the sails without the wind catching them when you are still at the dock.  If it is not possible to raise the sails while the boat is directed at the wind, you can ease the sheets to keep the sails from filling.

In most situations, it is best to completely prepare the boat in everyday before you raise the sails.  This includes putting in the centerboard, placing the rudder on the stern of the boat and attaching the tiller, and bending on (attaching) all the sails.  Since each boat is different I won’t go into detail as to how to rig each boat, but this basic instruction should give you a good idea of how to get started.

Preparing to Leave the Dock

As you prepare for your first sail, here a few things to consider to ensure a safe and successful time on the water.  What you do to prepare may depend on whether you are headed out alone on a small boat, or are sailing with friends on an overnight excursion, but there are a few things that you should do no matter what.  These things are important whether you are sailing for the first time, or the 500^th time.  To ensure success you need to check the weather, the tides and currents, hazards to navigation, your boat, and your equipment. Checking these 5 things each time you sail takes only a few minutes and can help keep you safe on the water.

First, make sure you have at least the following items onboard:

• Life Jackets for every person onboard
• Communication device – a VHF radio and/or cell phone – remember you may not have cell phone coverage where you are going
• Water and food – even for a short sail you should take a water bottle.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat – The water reflects the sun and makes it very easy to get burnt
• A watch
• A shirt or jacket in case it cools off or you get wet

Second, make sure you have a safety plan.  Make sure someone (who is not with you) knows where you are going and when you’re planning on returning.  Here is a checklist of things you should communicate to someone on land.

• Where you are going
• What time you plan to return
• What to do if you don’t return
• What communication and emergency equipment you have with you

Third, check the weather

You can check the weather by watching the TV, checking the internet, watching the sky, or listening to your VHF radio. You should make sure there are no reports for thunderstorms or high winds in your area and the area you are planning to sail.  You also want to make sure that there will be at least some wind.  It is very frustrating to get on the water only to bob around and have to fight to get back in at the end of the day.  You should also note which direction the wind is coming from.

Fourth, make sure you know the local tides and currents.

In some locations, the tides and currents are not important; however it is always important to check on the local conditions.  If tidal currents impact your area, it is a good plan to sail out with the outgoing current and use the incoming tide to help you return to the dock.

Fifth, check a chart, or talk to someone about any underwater hazards near your sailing location.  The last thing you want on your first sail is to hit something. If you are headed out sailing for the first time or are sailing in a new place, it is important to know what dangerous rocks, shoals, sunken boats, or other hazards lurk under the water. Depending on the type of sailing you are planning, you can either check out a chart, or talk to other boaters about the area.

Finally, check your boat to make sure it is rigged properly. While it may sound silly, you should double-check that you have all the parts. I have seen more than one person push away from a dock only to realize they forgot to put on their rudder and have no means of steering.

While this may seem like a lot of things to think about every time you leave the dock, pretty soon they will become second nature.  Get ready to enjoy yourself on the water!