V.I. Sailing School

Category: Sailing Lessons

  • How Difficult Is It to Learn to Sail?

    Introduction Learn to Sail?- When I was a kid, my parents would take me and my brother on the boat every weekend. As soon as we could walk, they started putting us in life jackets and setting us down on the dock. We learned to swim in a pool next to the boat slip at […]

  • Sailing Signals: Nautical Lights, Shapes, & Sounds

    Introduction Nautical lights, shapes and sounds are used to communicate with other vessels. Whether you’re sailing on the high seas or just down at the marina, it’s important to know the right way to communicate with other vessels. This includes a set of universal maritime signals that can be used when sailing in any country. […]

  • 6 Most Popular Types of Sailboat Keels

    Introduction If you’re new to sailing, the world of keels can seem a little intimidating. But don’t worry! We’re here to help explain which type of keel is best for your needs and budget. Fin keels The fin keel is a popular sailboat design option because it offers maximum stability. The keel extends all the […]

  • Most Popular Types of Sails on a Sailboat

    Introduction If you’re new to sailing, you may be wondering which types of sails are right for you. You can read all the books in the world about sailing and still not know if you’ll like it or not until you give it a try yourself. But if there’s one thing that helps new sailors […]

  • The Salty Dogs Guide to Different Types of Dinghies

    Introduction Dinghies are small, lightweight boats that sailors use to get around. They’re ideal for exploring the shoreline and going for short trips in the water. While all dinghies have one thing in common—being small and lightweight—there are many different types of boats that fall into this category. In this guide, we’ll explore some of […]

  • Sailing Navigation: Tides and Currents

    Introduction Tides and currents can be very helpful in navigation when you know how they work! Navigating by the stars and using wind, tide and current are all part of the fun of sailing. But when you want to go somewhere specific, knowing about tides can help you make sure that your boat doesn’t get […]

  • How Much Does It Cost to Learn to Sail?

    Introduction If you’ve ever thought about learn to sail, you might be wondering how much it will cost. The answer depends on a lot of factors. It also depends on how much money you want to spend and whether or not you’re willing to do some work yourself (such as mending sails or buying equipment) […]

  • The Most Important Parts of a Sail

    Introduction Sailors are a resourceful bunch. Many of us have been known to jury-rig a rig or bodge something together when we need it. But there’s an order to the universe, and if you want your boat to sail properly, you need to know what sails are supposed to do and how they should be […]

  • How Long Does It Take to Learn to Sail

    Introduction Getting started in sailing has never been easier. With the right equipment, even if you’re an inexperienced boater, it’s possible to learn how to sail in a weekend. How Long Does it Take to Learn to Sail? It’s hard to say how long it will take to learn to sail. It depends on the […]

  • The Salty Dogs Guide to Sailboat Hull Types

    Introduction When you buy a sailboat, it’s important to understand the difference between different hull types. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so understanding which type of boat is right for your needs is crucial. In this article, we will cover the most common types of sails and sailboats, including fin-hulled boats; […]