Because the seas and oceans are the places where people get less into contact they can be considered the most quiet and peaceful environments. Few things, such as the sound of the waves and the birds' songs, can interrupt the quietness of the sea. That is why many people choose sailing as a way of relaxation and meditation.
Yet, all these pleasures involve some knowledge in this field and also financial in order to purchase all the things needed for a perfect adventure on the water. The first thing that a sailor should do is choose correctly the type of boat he wants to sail.
Two main types of sailing boats can be distinguished: the sailing dinghies and the yachts. There are two differences in these two types of boats. The first one is that the dinghies have a centerboard, while the yacht has a permanent keel. In yachts the ballast is built in the keel, while in the dinghies the human crew should perform as ballast. There are many types of yachts and dinghies, too, so a sailor must ponder well all the advantages and disadvantages of any boat.
The basic sailing techniques should be very well known by those who adventure on the sea. A good sailor should be able to keeping the boat in trim, to reduce the sail when necessary to suit the wind conditions, to set the sale in such a way as to be in an optimum angle with the wind (sailing trimming), to adjust the loading of the boat in a proper manner (hull trimming) or to avoid leaning to one side when necessary (heeling).
Some basic regulations should also be known. The International Regulations for Preventing Collision at the Sea are very important for the sailors as they are set by the International Maritime Organization. The rules imposed by International Association of Lighthouse Authorities are to be respected by all the sailors as have as main purpose the safe navigation and the protection of both the sailors and their boats.
For the sailors that love the adrenaline brought by racing special regulations were formulated by International Sailing Federation. Racing Rules of Sailing are the set of regulations that should be respected by all the participants in sailing competitions.
For many people sailing is like a second life, where they can enjoy the quietness, peacefulness, fresh air and serenity of the sea, but at the same time experience the adrenaline when fighting the furious waves and untamed wind.
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