New to the world of sailing? Let us help you master the basics with these navigation tips and instructions for beginners.

The most important advice to keep in mind for beginners is to practice in ideal conditions of light winds and little traffic.
Follow safe sailing guidelines – there are certain basic principles for safe sailing that go without saying, no matter how experienced you are.

Investigate wind and weather conditions – check the weather forecast and be prepared for what the weather may bring. (Look at different predictions www.aemet.es, meteocat.cat, windguru.com)  Be sure to bring adequate supplies, clothing and basic equipment as needed. Navigation basics mean always being prepared. Conditions can change in no time. Maintain VHF Radio Channel 16 to follow the parts.

Become familiar with sail control – the best sailors are those who are able to adjust sail settings to take full advantage of different wind and water conditions.

Controlling the boom at all times – some of the most common navigation injuries are the result of not being aware when the boom is about to swing.

Learn the basic navigation terms – be sure to familiarize yourself with the basic navigation terms.

Practice makes perfect – invest in a sailing course, books, manuals and learn from experienced instructors. No one is born taught. It is much more difficult and too risky to learn to sail without the help of experienced people.

Fundamentals of navigation:

8 nautical and navigational terms that everyone should know

If you are learning to navigate, these terms are an overview of the basic concepts you should become familiar with.

1. Bow – the front of the boat
2. Stern – the back of a boat
3. Port – the port is always the left side of the ship when facing the bow.
4. Starboard – starboard is always the right side of the boat when facing the bow… A trick (The hand of ESCribir—> Estri or)
5. Leeward – the side of the boat away from the wind. It is a fundamental safety concept.
6. Windward – the side of the boat closest to the wind.
7. Boom – The boom is the horizontal post extending from the bottom of the mast.
8. Rudder – located below the boat, the rudder is a flat piece of wood, fibreglass or metal that is used to steer the boat. The rudder is not the “steering wheel” or wheel.

Navigation tips – navigation rules

The basics of navigation means being familiar with the essential rules of prioritized navigation as well. There are different navigation instructions in the priorities of passage for sailboats, unlike motor boats. Although the sea is very large it is common to find oneself in situations where one must maneuver. Since boats end up coming and going to the same ports, and at similar times, there are usually situations where you have to control.

Here is a useful overview of the basic rules of navigation:

Always maintain adequate visual and auditory vigilance to avoid collisions with other vessels.
Maintain a safe speed at all times so that you maintain control of your boat.
3. Use common sense when assessing the risk of collision with other boats near and around you.
4. The port tack gives way to the starboard tack: If two sailboats approach and the wind is on a different side of each boat, then the sailing rules are that the sailboat with the port wind must always yield to the other .
5. Windward gives way to leeward: If two sailboats approach and the wind is on the same side of each boat, then the sailing rules are that the windward boat (the direction of the wind) must give the right of way to the leeward boat (the opposite direction of the wind).

The last two manoeuvres can be simplified with the B manoeuvres (Windward and Port)6. If you are at risk of colliding with another boat and everything else fails, then the agreed sailing rules are that the boat with the other boat on starboard must yield.
7. Any boat overtaking another boat must always stay out of the way of the boat being overtaken.
8. A sailboat must always be kept out of the way of any boat that:
a) is not steered
(b) has restricted manoeuvrability,
(c) is engaged in fishing.
10. Non-commercial powerboats usually give way to sailboats, unless the sailboat is ahead of them. However, the general navigation instructions are also that sailboats should try to stay away from large vessels and ferries which may find it more difficult to slow down or change direction, especially in narrow channels.

Common sense must prevail in all cases, and prevention and the criterion of prudence are essential.