Sailboats

A sailboat is a boat propelled primarily by sails using wind force. Most are designed to carry a crew or passengers and rely on a keel or centerboard for stability and directional control. Sailboats range from small dinghies to large yachts and can operate on rivers, lakes, coastal waters, or open oceans.

Designs include monohulls and multihulls such as catamarans and trimarans. Common rig types include sloops (mainsail and headsail), cutters (mainsail and two headsails), ketches, yawls, and schooners. Sails include mainsail, jib/genoa, staysail, and spinnaker. Propulsion is wind-powered; auxiliary engines are common for docking and motoring.

Rudders, keels or centerboards provide stability and steering. Materials range from wood to fiberglass, aluminum, and carbon fiber, reflecting advances in boatbuilding and performance.

Used for recreation, day sailing, cruising, racing, or offshore passages. Performance depends on hull form, sail area, weight, and rig configuration. Sailors adjust sails to the point of sail: close-hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach, and running.

Operating a sailboat involves knowledge of weather, navigation, seamanship, and safety. Skills include tacking and gybing, reefing, and heaving to. Regulations often require personal flotation devices and appropriate safety gear; licensing or training requirements vary by region and vessel type.

The sailboat has a long history, evolving from early cruising rigs to modern yachts. The development of materials like fiberglass in the 20th century expanded production and performance, and sailboat racing events such as the America's Cup have shaped design and technology.