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My next sailing adventure is set for July 7th and will again be on Canela (Erickson 23). Crewing with me will Jnasser and Kommie whom I hope both find this post and read through some of the info below the cut.

Here is a pic of Canela (looking a bit better than she does now)










Ok Guys,

Use the above diagram to familiarize yourself with the following terms:
Sheet: A line (A rope on a boat is only a rope until it has a job, then it is a line) used to control a sail.
Main Sheet: SIngular. The line used to control the MainSail.
Jib Sheets: Plural. The lines (one on each side of the mast) used to control the Jib (ForeSail). Only one is used at a time and when the boat turns (tack or gybe) you may need to switch which sheet is used.
Jib: The sail in front of the mast. Attached to the Forestay, also called a ForeSail.
Main Sail: As it sounds; the main sail from which propels the boat through the water.
Stays: Also called the standing rigging. These are wire ropes (cables) that hold the mast in place. There are four on our boat: The Forestay (on the line diagram the forestay is also the leach (front edge) of the Jib. The Backstay runs from the top of the mast to the stern of the boat. Sidestays (not pictured on the diagram) Also called shrouds; run from the top of the mast to the middle of each the port and starboard sides of the boat.
Masthead Fly:This friendly arrow points towards the wind.
Outhaul Adjusts the tension along the bottom of the main sail to keep good sail shape.
Halyards: Also not pictured, are the lines used to raise and lower the sails. Each sail has its own Halyard.

This is not by any means exhaustive, but will give you enough to have some idea what is what when i start pointing at things while on the water. :) If any of the more experienced folks want to comment on my definitions, or explain things more clearly, please jump right in!!