1. Lesson 1: Introduction to Sailboats
Super Sails!
Lesson 1: Introduction to Sailboats
Preserving America’s Sailing Legacy * Engaging Sailing’s Next Generation

2. Boat Terminology
Learning boat terminology is like learning a new language
Before you can design your own boat, you must be able to identify all the parts and understand their importance

3. Parts of a Sailboat
Hull – the foundation of the boat that makes it a seagoing vessel
Stern
Bow
Hull

4. Parts of a Sailboat
Hull – the foundation of the boat that makes it a seagoing vessel
Starboard
Port

5. Parts of a Sailboat
The “rig” – the structures coming up from the hull that support the sails
Mast
Tall vertical pole to support sails and rigging
Boom
Horizontal spar (pole) extending from the mast along the foot (bottom edge) of the sail

6. Parts of a Sailboat Forestay Backstay Shrouds
Cable from the bow to the masthead that helps support the mast
Backstay
Cable from the stern to the masthead that helps support the mast
Shrouds
Cable from the hull supporting the mast on both sides

7. Parts of a Sailboat
Running Rigging – all the gear and lines used to raise and trim the sails
Sheets
Lines used to let out or trim in a sail
Halyards
Lines used to raise or hoist a sail

8. Parts of a Sailboat Sails – how a sailboat generates speed Jib
Triangular sail attached to the forestay in front of the mast
Mainsail
Sail attached to and behind the mast

9. Parts of a Sailboat Sails – how a sailboat generates speed Spinnaker
Lightweight balloon type sail
Used when sailing downwind

10. Parts of the Sail Luff Leech Foot Front or leading edge of the sail
Back edge of the sail
Foot
Bottom edge of the sail

11. Parts of a Sailboat Keel Rudder Weighted fin at the bottom of the boat
Critical to how a sailboat works!
Rudder
Steers the boat

12. Parts of a Sailboat