What You'll Get
Choice of:
- Week-Long Sailing Lessons for One Child
- Week-Long Sailing Lessons for Two Children
- Week-Long Sailing Lessons for Four Children
Session times include 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Sailboat Rigging: Controlling the Wind
Just as a motorboat needs an engine, a sailboat requires rigging to make it move. Check out Groupon’s guide to this system before planning a jaunt on the seven seas.
A sailboat’s rigging is easy to find—just look up at the network of ropes, lines, and tackle that connects and controls the beams (called spars) and sails. It takes study and practice to use the rigging to fully turn the wind to your advantage, but a few basic terms can help novice sailors begin to understand the intricate web they see.
Standing rigging: This is the system of taut, unmoving lines whose tension holds up the masts and other wooden structures, which would otherwise be prone to sway in the wind and get snapped off by griffins. The mast stands tall with the help of two kinds of lines. Stays run fore and aft, with the forestay often used to hold a foresail (called a jib or a genoa). These lines are often made from steel for durability and strength. Shrouds run from side to side, and often two or three each will connect the mast port and starboard for stability’s sake.
Running rigging: This consists of all the flexible lines and ropes that manipulate the sails, and they may be made from hemp, cotton, polyester, or jute. Though a sheet might sound like a playful word for sail, it’s actually one of the lines that controls the sails, keeping them taut and flexible enough to match the wind’s speed and direction. Like any part of the rigging, a sheet won’t do its job if it’s flapping loose—giving rise to the phrase “three sheets to the wind” to convey a drunkenness akin to a ship’s bobbing off course. Halyards are the other main components of the running rigging, and their operation is simple—pull the line tight to raise the sail, let it loose to bring it down when you need to paint something cool on it.
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires 90 days after purchase. Amount paid never expires. Reservation required. Registration required. Limit 2 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Valid only for option purchased. All goods or services must be used by the same person. Participants need to bring a lifejacket, towel, sunscreen, lunch, refillable water bottle and swim suit DAILY. Campers may arrive at 8:30am, after-care available $5/day/person until 5pm. REQUIREMENT: All participates must be able to swim at least 50 yards unassisted and tread water for two minutes with lifejacket on. May be repurchased every 30 days. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.